Picture Courtesy of Deepthie Seneviratne
Returned from UK a few days ago and recovering from jet lag.
I thought you might like to know this.
September 22nd, 2016 was a and sunny day, neither hot nor cold, unusual for Durham, UK at this time of the year. ” Fitting day to bid farewell to a remarkable lady”. The solemn pre cremation service was held at the Durham crematorium. Chapel was overflowing and many of us had standing room only outside the main hall and watched on TV. The service went very well as Daya had planned and instructed. The Buddhist priests chanted and spoke first. They went to see her in her death bed to comfort and her and prepare her for the inevitable end, but they come out learning from her example. Dr. S. Wignarajah a very close long time family friend from our junior batch gave the eulogy as requested by Daya. Their son Kalum and daughter Tanuja spoke lovingly of their mother. It was a closed casket. Daya had picked the photograph to be displayed and the music to be played.
How is CJ holding up? Good and bad as any man who lost his wife of over 40 years. He is fortunate to have many SL families who are close to them especially during the last 6 months or so. In fact, a couple has moved into his house taking charge of it. This is a huge relief for CJ. He is planning to go to SL for 10 days with daughter Tanuja. Before that he will spend time with his sister Manjula and Biga-Sunila in London. He will work out the other details after he returns. Time is a great healer. Though being surrounded by family and friends help, he says he has to work it out for himself.
Our batch was represented, Ranjit and Praxy de Saram, David and Rajini Selvarajah, Herath and wife, Swarna Gunaratne (Yahampath) and husband, Shoukat Mamujee, Arumainayagam and myself. (Hope I have not missed anyone.) I was fortunate to talk to Daya 3 days before she passed away.
Keep CJ and family in your prayers and thoughts
Dharma
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