A long innings that was a beacon of light to many

The death occurred recently of Lalani Wickramaratne (nee Abeyewardene) at the ripe old age of 96. She celebrated her birthday only a few days prior to her passing away. Due the prevailing COVID-19 crisis her children decided to lend a religious touch to her birthday and celebrate on a low key. Six years ago her sons and daughters had surprised her with a grand party at a renowned hotel, attended by a vast gathering of relatives and friends to celebrate her attaining nonagenarian status.

Lalani was the eldest daughter of Noel and Kamala Abeyewardene and the granddaughter of Mudaliyar Christopher Abeyewardene, the first Ceylonese

Superintendent of Mails. She married Dudley Wickramaratne. The loss of eldest son Chandrakumar at a comparatively young age left her heart-broken. With the passage of time however, she came to grips with her sorrow, by passing her time in devotion to religious activities, listening to Bana, in meditation and giving alms to the monks and the less affluent.

Lalani was the eldest of seven siblings to whom she voluntarily played the mother’s role attending to their various needs. She had her early education at Girls’ High School, Mount Lavinia and later her secondary education at St. Joseph’s Convent, Kegalle. She was a beacon of light to her children, guiding them on ethical behaviour, and also a tower of strength to her husband.

Lalani was widowed at a relatively young age with four sons and two daughters to care for. However, this “captain” with indomitable courage and determination steered the family ship of life to safe waters. She was blessed with 13 grandchildren and five great grandchildren. Their loving cries of “Achchi” from as far as London, Oman, the Maldives and Sri Lanka have been silenced now.

A dutiful wife and an adored mother, Lalani enjoyed a long innings. My sole surviving brother Upali joins me in wishing our dear sister a short journey in Samsara before she attains the supreme bliss of Nibbana.