He shared his excellent knowledge with many others

Srilal was born on October 5, 1944, the eldest son of Carl and Ivy Jayetileke of Ratnapura. He was educated at St.Anne’s College Kurunegala where he was a popular football player, and went on to the University of Ceylon Katubedda.

He had valuable knowledge on gemmology and geology and also about history, pre-history, architecture, native medicine, minerals and fossils.

He served in the Department of National Museums, Colombo, from 1971- 1990 as Curator Geology and in the Natural History Museum as well. He designed a stamp about Sri Lankan gems and on his recommendation, a first day cover was printed. Srilal’s knowledge about Sri Lankan minerals and gems was excellent, knowledge that he freely shared with so many others.

Srilal and I were married in January 1979 at St Theresa’s Church Thimbirigasyaya. He was a talented artist who used to paint and do wood carvings as a hobby. He was also a good pianist who played beautifully by ear. All our family members enjoyed the music. Our daughter Sonaly and granddaughter Nicolia have inherited his talent.

Srilal had a pleasing personality and helpful to everyone. A kind-hearted person, he had many friends.

He had to experience an unexpected situation in life when he suffered a stroke which caused temporary paralysis due to the psychological impact of the tsunami. After treatment for some time he was discharged from hospital and it was thanks to our late Uncle Rangith that we were able to get native treatment at that crucial time that helped him recover to a great extent, at a famous ancient hospital known for treating paralysis called “Keraminiya” located at Mawanella. Srilal was back to normal after the treatment and lived with the family for another 18 and a half years and we were able to celebrate our Ruby wedding anniversary.

Despite of all the situations he had to face in life, his memory was unaffected. He was very much attached to the family, safeguarding our children Sonaly and Jehan all the time.

God called Srilal to rest on August 13, 2022. His demise is indeed a loss to all our family members.

May his soul rest in peace.