He was an avid reader

My father, Sunil Ediriweera was born on the 23rd of April 1948, in a family with five siblings. Three brothers and two sisters. He was from the misty city of light Nuwara Eliya. It was painful for him to see the departure of his brothers and sisters at an early age. He overcame the unbearable pain with much courage.

As a tiny tot age three, he was admitted to the student hostel of Dharmaraja College, Kandy. His life as a student started there. According to him the large extent of land adjoining the hostel was a paradise to a mischievous schoolboy. Together with his friends, he has tasted the many fruits in the fruit trees such as mango, Jumbu, waraka, etc. It was a really enjoyable time with many pranks played by his friends.

We (myself and malli Chanaka) were given a vivid description of his hostel life and the experience he gained. I know the bond between my father and the mother (who is a math teacher)was very strong. In the nest, we as children received much love and warmth from our beloved parents.

My father engaged in commercial cultivation in Nuwara Eliya. When I passed the Grade Five scholarship exam, he wanted me to follow my higher studies in Colombo. He did not hesitate to give up his commercial cultivation for my educational pursuits. When he reached the age of 60, his illnesses surfaced and my mother used to be a great shadow behind him. She went on early retirement to look after him.

During the times when he was sick and could not move about, he had the habit of reading magazines such as Readers Digest.

He was an avid reader and an ardent fan of crossword puzzles which was never missed by him. He was very well versed in the English language. He wrote many articles for the newspapers, one of them was titled “what else to do in Nuwara Eliya”.

My husband Tharindu, brother’s wife Shashka, grandchildren Dinuth, Ileesha and Ranuth had a very happy relationship with my father. Whenever we find time, we get together and enjoy life.

But alas! It was a fateful day in my life, the 29th of July 2022. Suddenly my father became sick and was hospitalized. He bade farewell to us forever! We could not bear the pain of losing him. His beautiful memory lives with us. In this journey of sansara, we will meet him again someday. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

- Amitha Ediriweera