Shantha Mayadunne: Remembering a beloved TV chef and magnanimous person
It was an Easter breakfast rent tragically asunder for the Mayadunne family, claiming the lives of celebrity TV chef Shantha Mayadunne and her eldest daughter Nisanga. The family had gathered at Shangri- La Colombo- Shantha, husband Kumar, Nisanga and her husband- as well as younger daughter Tharanga and her husband who were here on holiday from Australia. They had also been joined by Tharanga’s mother-in-law.
Shantha Mayadunne was the country’s first TV chef, beloved by generations of viewers for presenting quick and easy recipes. She fostered a unique image, dressed in immaculate Kandyan in keeping with her heritage and easily channeling her passion for the culinary arts to highly variegated audiences.
A close friend of the family who declined to be named remembered ‘a magnanimous person’ who was always ready to help the needy. “She would spend as much as three fourths of whatever she earned on behalf of the less fortunate. She never hankered after money.”
After completing school Ms. Mayadunne worked as a Maths teacher before being drawn into what seems an inexorable career in the culinary arts, hosting shows first with ITN and then Rupavahini, Swarnavahini and other TV channels. She also published two cook books titled Rasa Bojun 1 and 2 and conducted countless cookery demonstrations and workshops.
Nisanga Mayadunne, at the time of her demise, was Service Quality Manger at Pan Asia Bank while also working as a TV presenter.
Both the deceased were alumni of Visakha Vidyalaya, Colombo 4.
The funeral held at the family residence at No 521, Old Road, Kottawa was attended by large numbers of the public.
The family has asked for privacy in this time of grief.