She rendered great service to the education field

S.K.L. Dayalatha Fernando was born on February 18, 1942 in Ahangama to the family of a renowned businessman in Ambewela, Nuwara Eliya – S.K. Charles and Jeslin Alwis Wijewickrama.

She was educated at Sariputta Maha Vidyalaya, Ahangama and Sri Sumangala Vidyalaya, Weligama. She graduated from Peradeniya University and obtained her master’s from the Kelaniya University. She was trained in education management at the National Institute of Education and also obtained a diploma in Education.

Dayalatha started her career as an English teacher at the Bandaranaike Girls’ School in Ampara. Later she served at several schools such as the Kesbewa Balika Vidyalaya, Ananda Balika Vidyalaya, Kotte and Wellawatte Maha Vidyalaya.

She was later assigned to the Pirivena Education Unit at the Ministry of Education She was appointed a project officer when Bogida Premaratne initiated a meditation programme for teachers. She also served as a teaching instructor for the Western Province. Subsequently she was appointed Head of the Primary of Anula Vidyalaya, Nugegoda. After rendering a long and dedicated service to uplift the younger generations she retired from the public service and later assumed duties as Principal of Visakha Nursery School.

Dayalatha had an inherent ability to win the hearts of all who came into contact with her. With the knowledge and skills she gained from the free education system, she rendered a great service to the country, its people and the Buddha Sasana.

She also successfully conducted the family businesses of her father during this time.

She married Heras Fernando in 1971. They have two sons, Kasun who is a banker and Nandun, a lawyer.

She passed away on December 27, last year at the age of 80.

May her journey in Samsara be short and may she attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.