[Tribute]

K. Julius Wanniarachchi

K. Julius Wanniarachchi

It is now five months since the death of my father and not a day passes without my thinking of him.

To us, he was a father and grandfather who was always there for us with his kind-hearted thoughts and words. He always had time to talk and more importantly to listen and give advice in a gentle manner.

K. Julius Wanniarachchi was born on April 11, 1920 in Makandura, Matara. He was a landed proprietor and was the husband of Milina Suriyarachchi from Akuressa and father of eight of whom I am the youngest. He started school at St.Mary's Convent, Matara and later attended Mahinda College, Galle and Ananda College, Colombo.

I had a happy childhood growing up on a tea estate surrounded by nature and have wonderful memories of that time.

He took us to the temple from our early years to learn Buddhism and its values.

He did a lot of charity work especially in his hometown Makandura in Matara.

He encouraged me in my education and took pride in my career decision.

Every time we visit Sri Lanka, he would buy whatever my children want and advise them.

His final advice was that the Dhamma is the path to greater self-awareness.

This is a tribute to my father, father in-law and grandfather who was loved and respected and who will always be missed.

May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

His loving youngest daughter Samanthie Fernando (nee Wanniarachchi)