Appreciations
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She
personified a gentle quiet strength Priyani was the eldest of the seven children of the late Daniel Justus Ameresekere (better known as Ira Ameresekere) and Genevra Padmawathi Ameresekere (nee Daulagala). She was born on December 20, 1948 and was the apple of her parents' eye. Her schooling was at Ladies' College, Colombo 7, where together with her sisters and cousins she spent many happy years. Ballet (under Ms. Timmy Ingleton), elocution, piano (Trinity College of Music, London), singing in the college English Choir and drama were among her many and varied interests during the years of her youth. Of Methodist denomination, Priyani was an active member of the Youth Fellowship (Y.F.) of the Colpetty Methodist Church. I recall one night when she had arranged for the members of Y.F. to visit our home to sing carols, one of our domestics who was quite unused to such nocturnal activity became hysterical the moment the carollers arrived at our home around 1 a.m. and began earnestly singing carols. Needless to say there was pandemonium, with us younger ones enjoying the drama of a frightened and screaming domestic (who my mother was frantically trying to calm down) and of the carollers who were singing away in competition with the cries of the domestic. Priyani was in tears. When calm prevailed, everyone enjoyed the humour of the situation and Priyani was finally consoled. Lacking
the necessary credits to study medicine as she had initially planned,
Priyani decided to switch over to study subjects in the Arts stream.
She had an excellent command of the English language and eventually
worked in the editorial department of Lake House following in the
footsteps of her father. Priyani to me was the personification of
the words "gentle quiet strength". She
always chose to see the best traits in a person and would uncomplainingly
tolerate the not so agreeable. Like both our parents did, Priyani
stood out as a symbol of love, humility, courage, selflessness,
generosity and compassion. T.G.A. He
lives on and guides us Niroshan had his education at D.S. Senanayake M.V. Later he excelled in his studies in the Medical Faculty with distinctions in the 2nd M.B.B.S and 3rd M.B.B.S. At the age of nine, after his first visit to Puttrapathy to see Baghawan Sri Sathya Sai Baba, he actively participated in Balavikas classes, and in Bajan singing. Later he became a Balavikas Guru, participated in various Sai Seva activities and was one of the leading Bajan singers, a musician playing the dolok, tabla, and harmonium. He was also a Sai youth wing leader and took part in various dramas and musical activities, in the Medical Faculty and Sai organizations. Sathya Sai Baghawan's devotees, still remember and honour him. Recently during the Easwaramba Day celebrations held at Saraswathy Hall, Bambalapitiya, the Vice Chairman Mr. V. Manoharan paid a warm tribute to Niroshan and presented a gift in his memory to the best Balavikas student Miss. Muralitharan. Niroshan still lives in the hearts of those who loved him, taught him, and those who knew him. I know very well as his father, that Niroshan was blessed with the right intelligence by which he was able to wean himself from useless and harmful talk to achieve inner illumination. Apart from his studies, he devoted his speech to receiving and communicating knowledge of the supreme. Niroshan desired for self realization by his attitude of not devoting himself to the nourishment and enjoyment of his own body. He possessed the calmness of mind, which he knew was the supreme means of liberation from this trans-migratory existence. Even though Niroshan, my dearest lovable son, is still living with me, guiding me and helping me in all aspects yet I miss him a lot. Loving Dada Dr. Srideva She
reached the top but was always modest She was one of the few female CEOs in this country and handled her tasks efficiently and effectively with feminine grace and charm. She believed in participatory management and was understanding and compassionate towards her employees and took a personal interest in their welfare which is why she was much loved by her staff. With her qualifications as Barrister-at-Law (Gray's Inn) and Attorney-at-Law, and years of experience and hard work, she reached the top but nevertheless was unassuming, modest and simple, never boasting about her achievements. I have known Sriyani for decades - ever since our children were together in school at St. Bridget’s Convent. My daughter Ruvani and her daughter Nirmali were classmates. Sriyani took a deep interest in the children's education and extra-curricular activities. With her love and guidance they fared very well. Her eldest daughter Kshama qualified as a teacher, Nirmali an Accountant, her only son Chris became a doctor and the youngest Shelley, a lawyer. I came to know Sriyani very well when she joined the Doctors Wives' Association. She was a member of the Social Activities Committee and attended meetings regularly and took part in our social functions. Sriyani was deeply committed to helping the poor, and she touched the lives of many underprivileged and marginalised through her extensive involvement with many charitable projects. In
the same way she also contributed generously to our social service
projects. Like anyone else, Sriyani too had her share of difficulties
as well as moments of glory. She went through life with courage
and determination always with a smile on her face, never complaining.
Chrissie Aloysius |
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