The trusted and indispensable Visakhian

It was with profound sadness that I and many Visakhians learnt of the sudden passing away of Savitri on July 13 just three months ago after a brief illness. Professor Saroj Jayasinghe, her cousin and his medical team who was in attendance at the time left no stone unturned to rescue her, but fate was such that she had to go.

The dedicated services she rendered to her alma mater had not ceased in her mind to the very last minute, the last event being the AGM of VV OGA that she attended. Savitri is bound to be at the bosom of Mrs Jeremias Dias, the founder as an honourable past pupil of Visakha who gave her selfless services for no personal benefit or glory.

She was the third child of highly respected parents from the South, the late Edwin Nagodavithana, Director of Education at the time and Evelyn Jayasinghe, a teacher. Her four siblings Kumar, Ajantha, Vajira and Dr Preethi are yet in great sorrow over the sudden demise of their beloved sister.

She had her entire education at Visakha Vidyalaya during the tenure of principal S.G.Pulimood. As a very disciplined student, she was a senior prefect and a house captain. Having left school in 1966 she joined the Tyre Corporation and served there for 20 years and retired as senior assistant in the design division.

In 1986 during Eileen Siriwardene’s principalship, a computer course was launched for students awaiting O/L results and I still remember her walking in to offer her services to see to the needs of the students while the lecturers were from DMS Colombo. I happened to be the Vice President of the OGA at the time and Savithri was a great asset. There onwards her services to her alma mater were unlimited. I doubt there was a single day she was not seen at the school premises attending to numerous duties tirelessly. She was inseparable from Visakha Vidyalaya, always ready to render her utmost services wherever required, be it the annual avurudu pola, dinner dance, Pulimood oration, the walk and many other events. Savitri was in the forefront of the arrangements but never sought the limelight, always a backbencher never to be noticed but her name is written in gold in the minds of the present and past principals, her fellow school mates and all connected with Visakha.

Her gratitude towards her ageing past teachers was admirable as she always made it a point to visit them periodically and even encouraged her friends to do so.

Savitri, dear friend, you will be remembered forever for your relentless services, integrity and honesty by all Visakhians.

With all the merit you accrued, may you attain the supreme bliss of nibbana in the shortest possible time.

Rukmani Raddalgoda nee

Seneviratne