You were our pillar of strength

Though three months have passed, my heart is still heavy with sorrow and my tears have not yet dried. My dear Mahinda, you were a great husband, wonderful father, joyful father-in-law and loving grandfather. We lived a wonderful life together for 54 years. We shared all our ups and downs, and got through every hurdle and achievement, sharing an undying love.

Throughout your life, you took great pride in your careers upholding them all with honesty and dedication. Your determination shone through in your role as a Founding Member, Director of the Plead Foundation, in which you helped low-income families. You gave us a life full of memories to cherish in your days in the plantation sector. As the Director of Social and Welfare, you carried out your duties to the best of your abilities. You never failed to prove that you could do any task in an exemplary and methodical way, and this was appreciated by all your peers.

You led a simple, happy life, surrounded by your children and grandchildren. You were always proud of all what they achieved and this was our main source of happiness. You were our pillar of strength. Words cannot explain how thankful I am for all the love and care you showed during all my sicknesses.

Your sudden departure was a shock to us all and you left me, our children and grandchildren with a void that can never be filled. We miss you every day.

May you attain nibbana!

Your loving wife, Seetha Marambe Tikiri

Kumari Ilangaratne