I will carry his life lessons and wisdom with me always

My grandfather was a proud and honest man. He held his head high until the very end. He lived with strength, determination and the heart of a man who was half his age. He was known to have a stubborn streak, but his resilience allowed him to enjoy a fulfilling life until the age of 90, and I know he would have accepted nothing less. Just last year he bathed in the sea with us on a family trip and joined me for long morning walks on the beach as we shared our thoughts on life. These conversations will forever hold a special place in my heart.

He was a man with many hobbies. He treasured his garden and enjoyed the opportunity to provide fresh fruits and vegetables for his family and friends. I recall a time when his dedication led him to confront a mango thief in his garden, one of many instances where his youthful spirit contradicted his age.

He also loved to watch cricket, but only when Sri Lanka were winning. While he was a patriot, he also cherished his visits to England to spend extended periods with us, finding joy in simple pleasures like a warm bed on a cold day, strawberry picking and a post-dinner chocolate. I’ll never forget the way his eyes would light up when I suggested a visit to the village fish and chip shop for lunch.

For a military man and hospital director he was a strong-minded and tough individual. My grandmother was his main weakness. After 57 years, he still loved her with his whole heart and tried to show her that every day. He enjoyed spending every day with her and couldn’t bear the thought of them being apart.

Even though I’ll miss hearing all his exciting stories about their youth, their love story continues to serve as an inspiration.

Throughout his life, his family and friends adored him, his brothers looked up to him and his colleagues respected him. If he ever gave a compliment, it was sincere, and his playful teasing was a sign of affection. It was well known that the more he teased you, the more he liked you.

Lokuaththa was a man who set a lasting impression on everyone he met. His talent and integrity has left a mark on the community around him for years to come. I was told by several people he worked with that he treated members of every rank equally. He was strict but fair to all. Despite being a tough leader, no one had a bad word to say about him. Everybody appreciated the way he disciplined and rewarded people for their actions. Even today, those who had the privilege of working with him hold him in high regard. In fact, the staff at Sri Jayawardenapura hospital dedicated a touching verse to him:

A friend who taught us right from wrong

And weak from strong That’s a lot to learn

What can we give you in return?

Sir, with love and everlasting gratitude we bid you goodbye. We salute your tremendous service and inimitable moral courage.

Whenever I felt lonely, my grandfather never failed to make me feel heard and appreciated. Though I miss hearing his words, I will carry his life lessons and wisdom with me always. He consistently expressed how proud he was of my achievements and I am committed to continuing to make him proud. He was a unique individual, a great teacher and a dependable friend. l will hold onto his strength in my heart through all of life’s joys and challenges.