If there was one person who radiated joy throughout his life, it was Dharmasiri Vitharana “Aiya” – my brother-in-law. I say this because one rarely meets people who project joy all the time, and who keep the sad side well to themselves.
October 23 marks Dharmasiri Vitharana Aiya’s first death anniversary. He would be 72 if he were alive.
It was very pleasant to associate with him. He would take you into a world filled with joy, no matter how upset or distressed you were. His walk was brisk. He was always looking around him to find pleasant things to enjoy.
He was a Southerner, and a Rahulian. His parents were both teachers, and he was the eldest child, with two sisters and three brothers. After leaving school, he started life in Pannipitiya.
He started his career by joining the Central Bank, and ended up as an executive in the Public Debt Department. In the early years, life would not have been easy, but he accommodated all his brothers and sisters in his home and guided them. They are ever grateful to him for what they are today.
As the eldest in the family, he extended great love to his brothers and sisters. He remained in close touch with them to the very end. They returned his love with love, respect and gratitude.He and his wife Hemamalini had three children, who are doing well in life. He saw his two daughters married off to able men who are making a contribution to Mother Lanka.
May this ever-smiling, good-hearted man be born among us till such time as he exits with grace towards Nirvana.
Dr. Premasiri Kariyawasam |
E-mail
