Her dedicated service to Mallika Nivasa Samithiya will be etched in our hearts

It was with profound sadness that I received the news of the death of my good friend and contemporary Lakshmi Perera. She had attended the centenary celebrations of the Mallika Nivasa Samithiya held at the BMICH only a few weeks earlier, where she was presented an award for her 53 years of dedicated service to the society.

Always duty conscious and very straightforward, whatever she did came straight from her heart. The word ‘no’ was not in her vocabulary. She was always positive. At a fund-raising event, she organised a buffet lunch which continued to be held at every avurudu pola. This was a great success.

It was during her tenure that the 75th Jubilee of the Mallika Nivasa Samithiya was celebrated at the Sri Lanka Foundation Institute with the then Prime

Minister Sirimavo Bandaranaike as the chief guest.

She also organised a series of activities following the jubilee celebrations, including a successful two-day residential seminar with the Minister of Social Services as the Chief Guest. All NGOs caring for the elders from various parts of the country were invited.

Lakshmi represented the affiliated societies -- the Central Council of Social Services and

All Ceylon Women’s Conference. As a member of the All Ceylon Women’s Buddhist Congress, she regularly attended all its meetings.

At a new year celebration for less fortunate children in the neighbourhood she had organised traditional games and lunch for them as well as gifts of books, toys and a till to encourage them to save. Recalling the various events and activities held during her period in office, I am amazed. She would always take up a challenge and had enormous organisational ability coupled with energy and unbounded enthusiasm.

I express my gratitude to her for all what she has done for the society.

Dear Lakshmi, with all the merit you acquired may you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana. Indrani Munasinha