He was a part of our life, we miss him dearly

A 65-year long association with a dear family friend has ended with the demise of Piya Senarath one year back at the end of December 2019.

My first encounter with Piya – S.A. Piyadasa as he was known then - was on the road in front of Jayatillaka Hall, Peradeniya Campus in June 1955. Clad in white satin drill trousers and long sleeved white shirt, when he stretched his hand to greet me he appeared different from the rest of us who were in our teens. He looked a little mature and reserved. He was introduced to me by Chandrananda who knew me already, as ‘Mr. Piyadasa’ because he had been a teacher on the staff of Rahula College, Matara. Piya became an instant friend. Over time, we treated him like an older brother.

Although older in years, Piya was young at heart joining in all the fun and mischief at Ramanathan Hall including the ‘bucketing and hooting sessions’ .Yet Piya was always very proper and calm, always neatly dressed, willing to help and proffer mature advice, not getting involved in anti-social activities. Although we probably had a few common interests and he was in ‘cliques’ other than my own, there was a chemistry that kept us close and together.

However, it was after leaving campus that our bonds grew stronger. We kept in touch while applying for public service jobs, buying cars and taking driving lessons.

By the time Piya joined the Department of Census and Statistics, I was already in Colombo still on the lookout for permanent employment.

When Piya moved to Kandy as Statistical Officer, I used to frequent the campus pursuing intellectual as well as cultural interests.

By the mid-60’s each of us had our own brand new cars, thanks to government car loans and that was a ‘weapon’ we had in those heady days to venture out across the country. My adventure of travelling from Moneragala to be in time for Piya’s wedding in 1964 was one such- Moneragala to Hambantota by bus, and from there collecting Kapila’s car from his home sans permission and driving to Colombo chasing Chandrananda since my own car was somewhere else to ‘get me to the church on time’!!

After Piya’s marriage his wife Monica’s home at Kirillapone was home away from home for me. Piya guided me through many official, personal and sensitive situations through mature advice and support. Since my own marriage and then my joining the Ministry of Agriculture in 1970 we met on a daily basis and our family ties became still closer. This bond continued for half a century through work, holidays, trips and family events.

From the time Piya joined me at the Ministry of Lands we had very close personal and professional contacts including travels locally and overseas. Having held progressively responsible and senior positions in his chosen field in the public service, he entered the private sector after retirement, switching easily to the private sector work style and progressed to be an effective business manager and consultant.

Our relationship was founded on a deep mutual trust, unmatched confidence and generosity on the part of Senarath and Monica towards our families.

Belying his mature calm exterior, Piya was ‘game for any occasion’ –for a drink, a singsong, a wild dance, to play with the kids, to attend weddings and funerals -you name it. So much so we as a family, miss him on a daily basis.

Piya was absolutely loyal to his friends and colleagues. Among his sterling qualities, one that stood out was that of

‘ Muditha’ –vicarious joy- an ability to be happy in the success of others.

Piya was always forthright in his views and words, held long memories and was loyal to the cause he believed in.

In later life he changed radically to become a vegetarian and teetotaller and adhered to it religiously.

Although we all miss Piya, we take comfort in the fact that he led a productive and virtuous life, being a lifeline to his family and friends. He had a good life of 91 years and passed away peacefully without regrets or rancour. Our sympathies go to his beloved wife Monica, son and daughter-in-law, Sanjaya and Nayani and grandchildren Lyana and Bihaan.

May his sojourn in Samsara be short and may he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!! Nanda Abeywickrama