Dearest Dad
It has been three months since you left us. Our hearts are so heavy, and our pain is still unbearable, but we wanted to pen this note to you, our remarkable father. When we were growing up, having you as our father was the greatest gift and best advantage a child could ever have. If it were not for you, we would not be where we are today. You were the backbone of our family as well as its beating heart. You guided us throughout our childhood and helped us achieve our dreams. There are no words to describe just how important you were to us and what a powerful influence you had

in our lives. We still remember how much you loved us to perform well at school and university. You placed education very much at the centre of our house and helped us to believe that learning is more than academic achievement – it is a way of life. You pushed us to try things we thought we could never achieve. There was no one on Earth prouder or happier than you to hear and talk about our successes. You were always the first person we told our biggest achievements to, and we promise we will continue to do so.

While you were soft on the one hand, you were tough on the other. This strength empowered us to develop into the independent, strong and confident people we are today. You taught us to keep pursuing our passions and never give up. You instilled us to be tough and stand up for what we believed in. This has become embedded in the Kariyawasam family, which will stay with us forever. Together with our Amma, you are the reason we have achieved all that we have today.

You were always highly respected by the community and your peers. You were a visionary and pioneer at Wayamba University, an astute university administrator, a renowned businessman in Kuliyapitiya, and a member of various societies. The people you worked with always testified to your disposition. Your love for Buddhism and your passion for humanity and community development remained your mainstay. You were a devoted Buddhist, and what you have done for “the Sanga” will never be forgotten. The large numbers of Buddhist monks attending your funeral, amidst the backdrop of the pandemic, is testament to your commitment to them. You helped people in need and provided students with scholarships. We promise to continue your legacy.

You may not have said it to us out loud, but we know how proud you were of your six children and their achievements, and how we have grown up. You raised a Manager in Human Resources, an Engineer, a Librarian, a Law Professor, an Education Minister (attorney at law) and a Lawyer – all a parent could have ever wished for. You showed great respect and love for Amma. We learned so many lessons from the life you spent with your beloved wife of 60 years. Amma was lucky to have such a blessed  married life; she is bereft without you by her side. You were a great father-in-law, who very much respected his in-laws. Your love for your grandchildren will never fade from their hearts. You were an incredible “SEEYA” (grandfather) to all of them and they still look for you  now. Some do not understand where you have gone. We may have not said it to you out loud, but, THATHthA, we are very grateful and proud to call you our father. We really are. Your decisions were firm, you always stood up for what you thought was right, and you showed your strength until your last breath. We promise to carry out your legacy until our last breaths.  With these enviable accomplishments, THANK YOU SO MUCH for making us want to make the world a better place and, along with Amma, for showing us the path to do so. THATHthA, you have been our greatest role model since we were young and will continue to be.

May you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.
From your dearest children,
Priyantha, Sampath, Vishaka, Kanchana, Akila and Amila
G.W. Kariyawasam was the founding Registar of Wayamba University, and Proprietor of
KARIES GROUP in Kuliyapitiya.