To my beloved “Kellu”

Sepali my wife (I affectionately called her “Kellu” or “Girl”) was an extraordinary lady. This was confirmed by the many who called to express their condolences. She gave me three lovely children, Hiranthi, Navin and Duminda, who married to give three lovely in-laws Hiran, Sheerin and Saroshika, who in turn gave two lovely grandchildren Samendri and Sacheen.

Unfortunately Sepali missed out on three important events, Sacheen reaching 21 years, our youngest son Duminda turning 50 and above all, Samendri getting married.

She helped me out in all projects. Be it ‘ The All Island Quiz Contest’, the ‘Day with the Children’ or ‘ Rendezvous in December’, she did all the work and I took the credit. However, her crowning glory was the Vidyatillaka Vidyalaya children. Her priority was the children in Grades 1 to 5.

It all started in 1977 with funding from Terres Des Hommes. She organised to give all of them a sachet of milk first thing in the morning, all the school requirements for the year, scholarships to the deserving children, and the many trips for all including the staff. This was done with funding from her kith and kin overseas. She arranged for the District Governor of the Lions to visit the school. It was done with all pomp and pageantry. The children in turn showed off their talents. The teachers took a great interest. She encouraged Lions to carry out their projects in the school, such as dental clinics, teaching of English to children, among them. She arranged special programmes on special days.

Nothing gave her more happiness though than meeting someone in the street, someone she had helped earlier.

Alas she is no more; she was decked with flowers; a sight she would have liked as she loved flowers.

May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana. It won’t be too long.

Love, blessings and kisses from your ever loving Kollu Neil Seneviratne