Dr. Eric Weerakoon

Eric passed away on June 15, 2014, after a brief illness.

I first came to know this gentle Doctor when he was attached to the Dental Clinic at the Kandy Hospital. I was introduced to him by my son Arjuna - a classmate of Ajith (Eric's son) when I went to get a tooth extraction. The first impression of Eric was he seemed a kind and attentive doctor.

It's nearly a year since his departure from his loved ones and I thought of writing a few lines about him on the occasion of his first death anniversary.

When my son, Arjuna and Eric's son Ajith entered the University of Peradeniya, our connection with his family became closer. Thus, Rohini - Eric's wife - became my friend.

Later, when my son Arjuna married Eric's daughter Sureka, our ties became closer and stronger.

I recall the holidays and trips our families had in the hotels along the beaches of the south and East coast. I am sad to mention here, that my husband Amare - (is no more-having departed early in 2004) also enjoyed Eric's company specially when they had a sip of wine or beer in the evenings over a chit-chat at the tourist resorts we stay.

Eric lived a happy and successful married life. Eric and Rohini are extremely lucky to have celebrated their Golden Wedding anniversary on October, 2012.

It's really golden years of life together blessed with three educated and intelligent children.

Daughter Sharmini and son Ajith are both doctors and the younger daughter Sureka has a prestigious Doctorate.

All of them are married to doctors but with very simple and humble ways and attitudes.

Eric was a sober, soft spoken gentleman. He was realistic and understood any issue with a balanced mind. If he sensed that something was going wrong or not to his expectations - he was always calm and cool and not disturbed. Never a hard word to his wife or children. He was a perfect father, and understood his children well-specially his son-Ajith.

A noteworthy last wish of Eric was 'not to keep his remains for more than one day' - although the following day was a Tuesday, his body was cremated on June 16.

Thus, even his son, who was in Japan on a schol, could not attend his father's funeral.

A 'pirith' ceremony and sangika alms giving to priests took place on June 15 and 16 to evoke merit and I am sure, the good deeds done would shorten Eric's journey in Sansara.

-Swarna Ellepola