Ena de Silva no more

Pic : Dominic Sansoni

Ena de Silva Aluwihare, the 'Spirit of Sri Lanka' and the 'Lady of the Banners' who put the country's traditional arts and crafts on the world map passed away at the Aluwihare Walauwa, in Matale, on Friday. She turned 93 on October 23.

Daughter of Sir Richard Aluwihare, the first Ceylonese Inspector General of Police and Lady Lucille Moonemalle, and wife of late Osmond de Silva, onetime Inspector General of Police, Ena's contribution to the arts and crafts of Sri Lanka is immense. While creating contemporary designs using traditional skills and techniques, she also worked tirelessly to empower women and improve the living standards of villagers.

Her most iconic moment was in 1948, when she starred in the spectacular pageant as 'Spirit of Sri Lanka' to celebrate the country gaining Independence. She was honoured with a lifetime achievement award by the Geoffrey Bawa Trust in 2011.

Ena leaves behind her daughter Anula Kusum Gilmour, daughter-in-law Averill Jayasuriya son-in-law David Gilmour and granddaughter Shanika Gilmour. Her son Anil Gamini Jayasuriya is no more. Cremation took place at the Matale Crematorium at 5 p.m. on Saturday, October 31.