June 1, 2013, 5:30 pm


Amala’s endearing voice, her golden brown hair, smiling blue/grey eyes, the distinctive style of walk almost dancing on her toes - looking ethereal, are memories of our dear friend which are deeply etched in our minds.

Our friendship, which began in 1960 at the Peradeniya University, withstood barriers of time and distance and got stronger and more meaningful over the decades as we matured and shared our life-experiences without reservations. Amala was known for her frank openness, unlimited generosity, extraordinary kindness of being sympathetic towards the weak and the vulnerable, intolerance of social injustices and her honesty. She was an ultra-sensitive person who did not hide her emotions, was outspoken and was thus more vulnerable than most of us. She was a good sport and joined in all our activities as a lively companion.

Amala’s talents in drama and singing were exceptional. She was a voracious reader with a quick grasp and enjoyed relating interesting parts to us, often entertaining us with dramatic narrations. A "bubbly" personality, she was at the same time shy, unassuming and selfless. Amala appreciated the achievements of others and attempted to promote the progress of others instead of her own; had it been otherwise, she could have been a shining star in varsity drama circles of the early sixties.

Her qualities were symbolic of a genuine human being. Amala’s great love and attachment to her siblings and the support she got from them particularly that of her sisters, was amazing. Her deep concern for her three children and her unconditional love for them was one golden thread that remained constant despite the ups and downs she had in life.

Amala’s interest in her religion was intellectual with a deep knowledge of karma, rebirth etc. of Buddhist philosophy. She was a great follower of Ven. Narada Thero. When she was snatched away from us so swiftly (on February 28 this year,) we, her closest friends for over half a century, found it difficult to come to terms with the fact that Amala was not at the end of the phone anymore! When diagnosed with an incurable condition, Amala however, accepted it as part of karma, kept up her courage and continued communications with us from London even while she was hospitalized and on fulltime oxygen - an indication of her firm resolve to face the inevitable, true to Buddhist philosophy.

We salute her brave and unfailing spirit and faith in her religion. We are confidant that she has earned much merit in this life to carry her safely and speedily through Samsara. DEAR AMALA MAY YOU ATTAIN NIBBANA!

Your closest friends from varsity days - Haneeya, Lalitha, Zarina, Subathara, Annathaie, Kanthi, Chitra, Visakha, Ratna, Ranji, Ruki, Neville, Balalle, Sarath and Sydney.

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