Kala Keerthi Eileen Siriwardena

Mrs. Eileen Siriwardena carved a name in gold. She was an educationist, a clever administrator, famous writer, social worker, an efficient teacher and a devout Buddhist. Working with her as the coordinator of BLC International, was indeed a blessing. She was kind-hearted, soft spoken, understanding and a dignified woman. Always with a pleasant smile, she understood the problems of others and solved them to a great extent. Eileen is the youngest daughter of Julius Perera Wickremasinghe of Matara. From the lower kindergarten she attended St. Thomas Girls School, Matara. She excelled in studies, singing, acting and playing instruments. Eileen joined Visakha Vidyalaya for higher studies. In 1948, she entered the Ceylon University. A patron of the arts, she played the main female role in Bilipujawa (based on a novel by Rabindranath Tagore) and Sunethra (W.A. de Silva). Both were produced by Dr. Jothi Dheerasekara. Eileen graduated in English, Sinhala and Pali. In 1953, she married D.B.I.P.S. Siriwardena who was in the civil service. Her first appointment was to Princess of Wales Moratuwa. Later she joined the staff of St. Joseph's Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda. In 1960, joined Samudradevi Balika Vidyalaya, Nugegoda. Eileen joined as a teacher and became the vice principal and then principal. She introduced Buddhist activities and poya day programs to the school. Eileen maintained a Buddhist cultural environment for the students. With her excellent record of service she was appointed Principal of Visakha Vidyalaya in 1983. She was the first old girl to be appointed to this post. During her tenure the Jeremias Dias Hall and sports pavillion were completed. The shrine room with a meditation area was constructed under her instructions. After five years at Visakha she retired from government service and was engaged in social service activities. She took over as principal of Buddhist Ladies College. During her tenure she improved the school in many ways. Many children entered universities both local and foreign due to her efforts. From the 1970s, Eileen wrote novels and short stories. In 1984, her novel Balan Harimi Kadathurawa won the D.R. Wijewardene Memorial Award for best unpublished book.

She was a versatile writer. she has written about 20 books in Sinhala and English Dr. Lester James Peries produced a film based on her book Ahasin Polowata (the first in a series of three). The novel Kshemabhumi was made into a film by Wijeya Dharmasiri. About 65 short stories and articles written by her were published in the newspapers. These articles relevant to education and Buddhism were in Sinhala and English. In 1989, she was conferred the Kala Keerthi Award. Her husband D.B.I.P.S. Siriwardena received the Deshamanya award in 1993.

Eileen was a founding member and director of 'Sahanaya,' and interacted with patients. Many of them recovered as a result of her efforts. She was the President of the All Ceylon Women's Buddhist Congress (ACWBC). On Poya days she went to the ACBC Elder's Home to give lectures on Buddhism. She also served as the Principal of Shinyo En Nursery School.

Eileen did not neglect her family and was a devoted wife and loving mother. Her husband was a tower of strength to her. His sudden demise was a blow but she found strength and courage to bear it with the philosophy of Buddhism. This great lady passed away on January 20 at the age of 87. She leaves two sons, a daughter and grandchildren.

May she attain Nibbana.
Mrs. S.M. Attanayake

Sybil Elvina De Chickera

The persistent ringing sound woke me from my deep slumber. It was the mobile by my bed. "Hello, who is this?" I mumbled half asleep.

"Will you come over, it's Mother. I have sent the car, it should be there sometime now". I woke up immediately.

"Why, what's the problem, can't it wait till tomorrow, its midnight" I said more in apprehension than reluctance to make the trip.

"Better come now".

"Ok". I knew she was ill... My thoughts went back to the day about a month ago, when she was brought back from Singapore by some of the family that had accompanied her for medical surgery to John Hopkins.

They said the terminal illness was deep-rooted. She had, however, true to her character borne up the prognosis of a virtual 'death sentence' when she was told of the hospitals findings, the practical last resort we had opted for.

She was never put off by the many trials of life that had besotted her throughout, as a wife, a mother, a grandmother, a great grandmother, and an extremely lovable personality who always lent a helping hand. She was now not put off by the hospital's report.

Sybil was strong in her faith, a true soldier of the army of the Lord and she lived her faith as was evidenced by all those who flocked to see her during her infirmity when they heard of her diagnosis; her pupils, her friends and the many people in the street who regularly benefited by her reaching out to them. As a mother she brought up four teens singlehandedly, when her husband passed away at 54 years; she was twelve years his junior. Today, they are all senior citizens with families of their own. She has eleven grandchildren and more than eleven great grandchildren all of whom loved their 'nana' dearly.

To list her attributes would be impossible. She loved to sing a lusty treble at most Sunday morning services at whatever church she attended and there were many. '

I was awoken literally from my reverie when the vehicle came to a halt.

"Tell me," I asked the driver "was she serious when you left for me?" He looked down, eyes full of tears and then resting his head on the steering wheel began sobbing. My mum had been very good to him too.

I opened the car door and stepped into the still dark night. The cold breeze hit me and I shivered. It was cold outside and inside. I slowly wended my way into the wide verandah.

I was accosted by my brother as I was about to enter my mother's room.

He held me tightly around my arm. "Mum's gone?" I asked. He nodded.

The woman who had knitted the family together in strong bonds of love for over eighty six years had gone to her Lord and Master as she believed she would, but in doing so she had left us, that night in August 2010.

Now, I felt rudderless as I stood there in the medamidula not knowing what I was doing, what I was going to do and so I cried.

- Lucky

Hajiani Sithy Riwa Latheef

The demise of Sithy Riwa Latheef well-known as 'Wansa,' is the daughter of Marhoom A. Singhawansa, a respected personality of Wilmot Street, Hambantota.

When my parents visit my maternal uncle Burah at Walker Street, Hambantota, we never fail to visit the Singhawansa's. They built a close relationship. The Burah's were brothers-in-law of Marhoom A. Singhawansa. Riwa was a school-going child at that time. Later she married her paternal cousin, a smart police officer at the time.

My friendship developed when her husband served in the Fort and Maradana Police Stations, while I was attached to the CTO, General Post Offic andMaradana Post Office.

My wife and I visit their Maligawatte residence when we go to Maradana.

During her illness she was mostly at our paternal uncle' Burah's residence at Akbar town. We continued to visit Riwa as she was a friendly, unassuming and pleasant person.

Her camaraderie knew no bounds and created an atmosphere of goodwill at the Burah residence.

The large crowd at her Janaza was a clear indication of the fellowship she built at Akbar Town.

We extend our sympathies to the family and pray that Almighty Allah grants her Jenathul Firdouse.

- Haji and Hajiani Dada and Zareen Packeerally

C.H. Prema Kasturiratna

With the demise of Prema Kasturiratna, the country lost an indefatigable social worker who devoted her time and energy especially for the welfare of pensioners. Until her sudden illness two weeks ago, she functioned in many of the positions of the Pensioners' Association and was the editor and publisher of their magazine.

While performing the numerous duties entrusted to her she travelled to many parts of the island, willingly and enthusiastically, even against the advice of her doctors.

Prema was a brilliant student of the Galahitiyawa Central College excelling in academic studies and all extra-curricular activities such as sports, music, drama, handicrafts and an active member of the numerous school societies.

After joining the teaching profession, she took a leading part in the Girl Guides Movement and for a considerable period of time, functioned as a District Girl Guide Commissioner in the districts where she served as a teacher.

She played a very active role in the Past Pupils' Association of the Galahitiyawa Central College performing the duties of a Joint Secretary for a number of years and later as a patron of the Association. She was an exemplary person and a role model for other members.

A sincere person, conscientious and hard working, always devoted to the service of fellow citizens, she served her community using her knowledge and skills as a traditional ayurvedic physician and a JP helping village folk without remuneration.

May she attain Nibbana.
- Mathupala