My father, my hero, my teacher

M.Y.M.P. Yapa an educationist, dedicated teacher, author and devout Buddhist was born in a remote village in Welimada. He had his secondary education at Bandarawela Central College. He entered the Peradeniya University to follow a Physical Science Degree and followed this with a Diploma in Education at Colombo University.

He started his career as a Science teacher at Weeraketiya Central College in Hambantota where he taught Physics. Many of his students went on to become doctors, engineers etc.

After leaving Weeraketiya Central, he returned to Colombo and joined the Civil Aviation Dept. as Air Traffic Controller. He worked in the department for a couple of years before leaving for Nigeria on a teaching assignment. On his return to Sri Lanka he joined the Colombo International School at a senior executive position and from there received an invitation from British School Colombo to join them and he served as Vice Principal for ten long years.

After his long and dedicated service at the British School he retired from the education field completely and took up writing.

He wrote many textbooks on Physics that helped many Science students in the country to excel in their G.C.E. O/L and G.C.E. A/Levels. As a devout Buddhist he wrote many books on Buddhism too. His wife Uditha was a Science teacher and taught at many schools and retired as Principal St. Joseph’s Girls College, Nugegoda.

Mr Yapa had leadership qualities and guided his sisters and brothers who now hold important positions in the country. His children too accomplished much under his guidance.

Mr. Yapa was 70 years old when he passed away. He was cremated at the Kohuwala Public Cemetery before a distinguished gathering of colleagues, friends and relatives.

May he attain Nibbana with the help of the Triple Gem. Brother-in-law Upali De Silva

Three months have gone, since the day my beloved Thathi (father) passed away, leaving our family with a profound sense of sadness and deep shock. Thathi passed away unexpectedly on March 6 while he was being treated for his illness at a private hospital, in Colombo. Though he was undergoing treatment for a few years, he was capable of managing his work at home and had the grit and determination to move on.

During his illness, I was always at his side, ensuring that due medical care was being provided by the doctors and other medical staff, on time. As a result Thathi, did not experience any complexities during his time of ill health and I was pleased to see him leading a peaceful retired life.

As a learned person, he gained much respect in the financial sector especially amongst professionals in the leasing and hire purchase industry for his wealth of knowledge, expertise, experience and commitment to uplift the profession. He held the Chairmanship of the Finance Houses Association and also the post of Secretary of the Leasing Association during his career. With the help of a few of his reputed colleagues in the industry, Thathi was instrumental in establishing the Sri Lanka Institute of Credit Management and was also one of the most sought after “resource persons” ( lecturer) to conduct seminars, for those in the Finance & Leasing industry.

His dedication to his employers was recognised and appreciated by his superiors and peers. He was much loved and respected for his integrity, guidance, wisdom and even after his demise, his assistants and colleagues and those who have dealt with him speak of his legacy of honesty and transparency and recall their relationship with pleasant memories.

In spite of his busy career, he always had time for his family. His sudden demise has created an emptiness in me as he was my “guiding star” from my childhood days. Thathi and I had a special bond and a close relationship which cannot be explained in words and I feel he is still with me, guiding me on the righteous path of life. When I had questions, Thathi would always answer them. It was like a ritual for Thathi and I to have dinner together and ponder over things that transpired during the day. He always used to wait for his “Putha” to come home after work to enjoy his meal and if I did get late, he used to still wait for me to turn up at his bedside and say good-night to him. Whenever I travelled out of Colombo, he would be worried and keep calling every half an hour, until I reached my destination.

He was very helpful to his relatives and whenever they needed his assistance, was ever willing to help them and was happy to see them doing well in their personal lives. He gained immense pleasure in assisting all who sought his professional advice and his loss is still being felt not only by his family but by his friends, colleagues and assistants.

After the funeral, I realised that not only had I lost a parent but my hero and teacher as well. Just two days prior to his death, he called me from his hospital bed and said that he really loves me and he also knows, that I love him a lot too.

My dear Thathi, I will never be the same as I was before and I feel as if I am incomplete without you. We shared memories that nobody else shared, which means you knew me differently than anyone else. We were a close knit family and you and Amma had a happy married life of 52 years together. Now,when it gets dark in the evenings, Amma and I stare at the chair in the living room and miss your words of wisdom. During the past few years, you have been telling me that according to Lord Buddha’s teachings, one day we need to leave this world in order to escape samsara and attain nirvana! However, the past three months have been hard for me as I realised that, when someone you love dies, that part of you dies as well.When you left us, I used to cry because of the void left by your death but now I have gradually realized, it is easier to smile at the memories. Several years ago you told me the day you pass away to cremate you within 24 hours which was done according to your last wish.

Thathi, I want you to know that you are still guiding me and still answering my questions. I will always miss your blessings which helped me overcome the difficulties that I faced in my life but I know that you will always be there watching me.

Thathi, I am ever so grateful to you for being my father and I hope that I will meet you again in this journey of samsara once again as “my Thathi”, prior to attaining nirvana which will be my happiest moment. May you attain Nibbana. Your ever loving and

grieving son Thusitha