She created a chain of love

Many Sri Lankans of yesteryear knew Shanthi. She participated in a sport that was frowned upon by the older generation as a sport not fit for women - hurdles. I did not know Shanthi then, but my husband, who was a freelance journalist knew Shanthi, and had pictures of her clearing the hurdles at the University of Peradeniya. Her sporting achievements are recorded on the walls of Methodist College, her alma mater. This I was told by a past pupil of Methodist College.

I came to know Shanthi when she joined YAH, the Young at Heart Seniors group of the Methodist Church Mount Lavinia, more than 20 years ago. Shanthi was an active participant and livewire. Every Monday morning she made the senior ladies go through routine exercises, exercises that kept our senior bodies and minds alert. She made us march to ‘Jack built’.

Shanti was an animal lover, cats were her favourites. She had cats on the bed, on the couches, on the tables , practically everywhere. She loved dogs too, and one concern she had when she was hospitalised a few months ago was her pet dog: who would feed it?

Handicraft was another interest. She would collect scrap material and turn out beautiful pot holders. She shared this talent with the house bound residents of the Cheshire Home. She spent time every week with the residents of this Home. The Sunday market at Mount Lavinia was her favourite ‘pola’ for bargains.

A few weeks ago Shanti Benjamin (another member of YAH ) and I took her a lovely arrangement of white flowers that was used at the worship service. They were fresh and beautiful and almost talked to us. The joy and glow on Shanti’s face when she saw the flowers was beyond description. She in turn gave the arrangement of flowers to her favourite nephew, who took it to school and so the flowers brought joy to many. That was typical of Shanti. A chain of love and care.

She loved animals and worked with groups that cared for them, making generous donations to these organisations.

The members of YAH and I were blessed to know her.