You left an indelible mark on anyone who knew you

Three months have rapidly gone, but a day passes not without the memory of you hauntingly manifesting to me. You were unique. In anybody who came in contact with you, an indelible mark of affection was left. The words ‘Kolomba Putha’ (Colombo son), as you were affectionately called by my elders, though no more, still ring in my ears. For kindness and generosity there was none who excelled you, as evidenced by the mourning crowds that filed past the funeral bier.

Your entire life was furnished with experiments, innovations and learning which you gave back to your students, to society as well as to me. Your past and present students and their parents, who were present to bid you farewell on your last journey valued your exceptional lifestyle. Your adult students recalled to me how you took great pains to improve their knowledge of English. If they had any problems regarding their lessons or office correspondence you solved them without any hesitation. And they greatly mentioned the benefits they got using the library facilities in your institute.

Your knowledge of Western classics as well as Buddhist philosophy may have been the secret of your simple lifestyle. Intending to share your knowledge with the public, you wrote many articles to the newspapers on various topics. A lengthy article captioned “Teaching of English – A New Approach” was a popular one among them.

Your utmost motive was to improve and enhance the knowledge of rural youth and train them for self-employment opportunities. The project you began will be restarted in the near future with the instructions and plans you left.

During the last few days of life, you were in hospital surrounded by your loved ones, (especially your brother and sister). We all did our best to look after you affectionately and keep you comfortable but you passed away peacefully leaving us in tremendous pain and sorrow on February 17, 2020, at the age of 81 years.

My fervent wish is that I meet you again in our journey through Sansara. It is also my ardent wish that the merit you had acquired in life would make your existence, now in a different realm more joyous and provide the impetus for attaining the supreme bliss of Nirvana in a much shortened time.

Needless to say, my darling, I miss you immensely.

Kusum Wijesinghe (wife)