Prathapa Wethasinghe: A gentleman par excellence

A unique personality of our generation (1965 -2024), Mahendranath Prathapa Wethasinghe bid farewell to all of us, three months ago. Prathapa was a brilliant colleague of our Alma Mater,

Dharmaraja College. He hails from an outstanding family in Kandy. He was the eldest son of Kumar Wethasinghe, renowned journalist and of Piyaseeli Wethasinghe, eminent Educationist. His brothers Srinath (in the U.K.), Udhara and Pulasthi too were also Rajans, Keshari his sister was a Bishopian.
During our school days we sang “Baila”, “Mahamaya kellek mata ganta labedo.” Prathapa achieved it when he married a Mahamaya girl, presently Dr. Champika. He was also the proud father of Lakshitha a young Engineer in Australia.

Prathapa was a symbol of perfect gentleman, par excellence. In the field of accountancy and business administration he excelled. Having migrated to Australia, he was employed at Messer’s Coles Ltd., and rose to the pinnacle as the Senior Financial Analyst at its head office.

During the last few years he visited his parents, family and all of us, his friends. In March this year too, he visited with his wife and son. Prathapa’s generosity knew no limits. He even sent medicines to Sri Lanka, for friends, relatives and even for unknown people. Religious Institutions both in Sri Lanka and abroad, elder’s homes and orphanages were contributed to by him, silently. His last mission this year was to attend a seven day meditation program. On his return home, suddenly he fell sick! Proving that all components are impermanent and that all condition, are transient, sorrowful and that everything is soulless. Prathapa bid farewell to all loved ones.
May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbhana! 

(By Ananda Melpitiya)