I wish there were more of his calibre in the profession, in the world

I know when I sit down to write this that endless words of praise and appreciation have already been fervently pronounced of a life lived so well. There is no doubt in my mind that Dr Sarath Abeykoon has had an immensely positive influence on many people’s lives.

I struggle to find the right words. The impact he has had on my life cannot be summed up in a few short paragraphs, but I am compelled to do so; maybe to seek some measure of appeasement, knowing that I owe at least that much to him.

I had the great fortune of being introduced to Dr Sarath Abeykoon through his niece, one of my dearest friends. We schooled together and only on a few occasions over at her place had I encountered Dr. Abeykoon. When my mother was diagnosed with cancer many years later, the obvious choice was to consult Dr Abeyakoon. I even began to look upon my friendship with his niece as one that bore new meaning and significance. How fortunate was I to have made this association.

Dr Sarath Abeykoon treated my mother during the four years that she survived and battled cancer. By that time he was a medical director at Ceylinco Healthcare, following decades of noble service at the Maharagama Cancer hospital.

But he was so much more than a doctor we consulted. On the many occasions that I have sat across him in his office trying to navigate the terrifying world of cancer he has always been a source of solace and strength. His kindness and compassion were immeasurable. He would often going out of his way to ensure we were afforded convenience and comfort whenever possible. That made a world of difference to my mother, my sister and me in facing the ordeal of a terrible disease. There was no one else’s insight or advice that we sought and no one else’s seemed to suffice. Sitting in the hospital waiting rooms, filled with anxiety, simply knowing that his consult was at hand was very reassuring no matter how dire the circumstances had become. I think back on those days and realise what a hefty responsibility we placed on him at any given time, while grappling with decisions that made the difference between life and death.

He dedicated his life to the service of others with little thought to his own needs. Though unassuming and mild mannered, he easily drew respect across all tiers of medical staff and this was the case, I soon noticed, wherever he set foot.I have seen patients, former patients or those known to him one way or another, simply light up at the sight of him. He treated the human being and not simply the disease. How often have I thought, ‘all doctors must aspire to this standard’ – he was a rare human being. Would there were more of his calibre in the profession and in the world!

It was a privilege to have had him to rely on for medical advice. It was a privilege to have simply known him - the kind and benevolent human being that he was. It was a privilege to have had him sign as the witness at my wedding. The memory of him smiling pleasantly as he watched me walk away with my husband as newlyweds, will forever be etched in my mind.

To his family, especially his wife and daughter that cherish him so dearly, I hope they can draw comfort from the knowledge that he was so well loved and held fondly in the hearts of many. Few could lay claim to such a testament of a life.

I can only imagine that he must now travel a path of high merit unseen and unknown to us all but certainly showered with our blessings.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana! P. Nanayakkara