My father, Sunil Ediriweera was born on April 23, 1948 into a family that comprised 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 aged three, he was admitted to the 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 had tasted the many fruits in the fruit trees such as mango, jumbu, jackfruit, etc. It was a really enjoyable time with many pranks played by his friends. 

My father engaged in commercial cultivation in Nuwara Eliya at the time I passed the grade five scholarship examination. He wanted me to complete my higher studies in Colombo and did not hesitate to give up his commercial cultivation for my educational pursuits

We (Brother Chanaka and I) were given a vivid description of his hostel life and the experience he had gained. I know the bond between my father and the mother (a mathematics 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 at the time I passed the grade five scholarship examination. He wanted me to complete my higher studies in Colombo and did not hesitate to give up his commercial cultivation for my educational pursuits.  When he reached age 60 his illnesses surfaced and my mother used to be a great shadow behind him. She opted for early retirement to look after him. All the necessary treatment was given by her. If not for her valiant effort to find remedies for his illnesses, the departure of my father would have happened long time ago. During the times when he was sick and immobilized he had the habit of reading magazines such as “Readers’ Digest”. He was an ardent fan of the Sunday Times crossword puzzles which he never missed. He was very well versed in the English language. He wrote many articles to 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 found time we got together and enjoyed life. 

But alas July 29, 2022 turned out to be a fateful day in my life. Suddenly my father got sick and was hospitalised. He bade farewell to us forever! We could not bear the pain of losing him. His beautiful memories live with us. In this journey of samsara, we will meet him again someday. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana!!! 
(Nirmitha Ediriweera)