To shared memories of our wonderful aiya

Our brother Winston aiya passed away peacefully three months ago. He had many talents and achievements to be proud of - nevertheless, we two sisters salute him for the more humanitarian side of him: his kindness and compassion to the less fortunate. Being a doctor enabled him to realise his dream of helping the sick and needy irrespective of their status. Family, relatives and many more received medical help with no financial benefits to him. For this great quality (inherited from our father) we have a deep respect for him and firmly believe that he will have an even better life in his journey through Samsara.

We were a closely knit family from Kandy with great parents. Our father Seneviratne Banda Wadugodapitiya fondly known as Sene and our mother Lena, an angel to us, greatly supported our father and us. We were seven siblings – five girls and two boys. Winston aiya was the second. Educated at Trinity College Kandy, he was a brilliant all-rounder. He had an excellent academic record and was the only student to enter Medical College from his batch.

As a sportsman he represented Trinity at the famous Bradby Shield Rugby matches in 1951 and 1952 (which won the trophy) and was the oldest living Rugby coloursman. We were taken for all the matches aiya played for and were so proud of him.

Later on he played for Medical College and subsequently was the doctor for the CR&FC rugby team for a few years. We used to watch him rush to the field when players got injured - that was his commitment. His talents and achievements as an academic and professional were many but we share our childhood memories of him.

Life in Kandy was simple and pleasant. Our eldest sister Rita (Karunaratne), Winston aiya and the next brother in line, Rando aiya, were one unit. The three elder siblings took great care to protect the four younger ones (Mallika, Amala, Kamala and Shanti). Ours was a happy home. We used to have so much fun. Mother was a good pianist and father loved to sing and our house therefore was full of music and song. If we remember right, Winston aiya used to whistle contributing to it.

Just as all good things have to end our father was transferred to Colombo breaking up our family. Our brothers were the most hit. Winston aiya had to look after himself when still in school and also take care of Rando who was also at Trinity. It was a tough time for him with many other constraints. We were all sad at being separated. Winston aiya managed his roles well and this brought the two brothers even closer.

Winston aiya entered Medical College, making our father very proud and was back in Colombo. We, the two youngest siblings, had his support. Kamala was a sports person and Winston aiya encouraged her and made sure her essentials were met. Shanti the youngest was his favourite. They shared a special bond. He ensured she was excused when up to mischief. He was great fun and made us laugh when he used to practise his ballroom dancing alone, pretending to hold his partner with his right hand and holding out the left.

Unlike our understanding mother, our father was a strict disciplinarian. One house rule was that Winston aiya and Rando aiya had to alternately take the girls to Galle Face Green every Sunday. Not sure whether they enjoyed this task- but we remember the thrill of going to Galle Face, singing as we walked with sister Amala leading the way and the treat of the ice-cream cone that followed. Those were the days when simple things gave us happiness.

Winston aiya married Kamala Ranaweera and settled down in Kandy. They had three children two daughters and one son who were his pride and joy. Aiya had the distinction of being appointed the first Medical Superintendent of the New Peradeniya Teaching Hospital and later Director of the Kandy Hospital. He had the support of his wife Kamala. Our contacts were less frequent as he was a busy man in Kandy and each of our families had responsibilities of their own.

We met Winston aiya a few months before he passed away and he read out a poem he had written about our mother with so much emotion that we had tears in our eyes.

Manoji his daughter, looked after him with love and care until the time he passed away knowing his family loved him dearly.

Winston aiya, may you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.