‘Her considerate, loving nature was very endearing’
It was with deep sadness I recently learnt of the demise of my dear friend Lakshmi, whom I had known from our primary school days at Girls’ High School, Mt Lavinia.
Drawn to her by her friendly, cheerful, kind ways — from our early age we forged an enduring friendship which lasted over many years to this day. An exceptionally bright, intelligent student, she shone and showed promise of high academic achievement.
Lakshmi lost her lawyer father to typhoid when she was a baby. It was a struggle for her mother who had to work, raise, educate Lakshmi and support themselves. Even with some help from the extended family, it was a hard time for them.
Despite all these hardships, Lakshmi, continued to shine at school and had excellent results in her Senior School Certificate. To further her studies, Bishop Lakdasa de Mel who was related to her father was able to obtain a well deserved scholarship on her excellent performance for Lakshmi at Ladies’ College, Colombo. She was a quiet, unassuming, eager, bright student popular with the teachers and her fellow classmates —many of whom she continued to be in touch with. They respected and regarded her with much love and affection.
It was Lakshmi’s way of showing her gratitude for the education she received at Ladies’ College, by joining their teaching staff, soon after obtaining her Bachelor of Science degree at the University of Ceylon, Colombo. After many years as a dedicated and conscientious teacher, Lakshmi was forced to resign from her post as she developed a throat condition, which made it impossible for her to continue as a teacher. Unhappy and disappointed she had to leave. She was always mindful of what she had received and continued to show her appreciation and loyalty to her Alma Mater in generous ways.Lakshmi gave of her best while employed at the Department of Small Industries and Export Development Board and later at the DFCC Bank where her colleagues will vouch for her integrity, hardwork, dedication and friendship. Some of them were even present at her funeral and even at the Memorial Service at the Cathedral of Christ the Living Saviour, Bauddhaloka Mawatha, Colombo 7.
Lakshmi being the dutiful caring daughter and with the close bond she shared with her mother, always put her mother’s needs before her own happiness and future. As her mother’s health deteriorated, Lakshmi looked after her lovingly, with great care and devotion till she passed away.
Whenever I visited Sri Lanka from my home in Australia, Lakshmi was a friend I’d always meet. On the last occasion, we spent delightful few hours chatting over a delicious lunch she treated me with. As good friends do, we used opened up to each other reminiscing of memorable times we had shared.
I write this on behalf of her many friends and those whose lives she touched in Sri Lanka and abroad.. Her thoughtful, loving nature endeared us to her, and we, her friends will dearly miss the gentle, unassuming, cheerful person she was. She was indeed a loyal and genuine friend.
A God fearing Christian, whose faith never wavered in the face of many challenges, she trusted in her Saviour to lead and guide her to a truly blessed life of peace and fulfillment and service to those in need.
May our Lord grant her eternal rest and peace!
Chandra Selvanayagam