Remembering Dr. Tissa Senewiratne

My dearest friend and colleague - more a brother, departed from my life recently, giving me such pain and grief as he cannot be replaced by any 
human being.
Tissa was one of my closest friends. Whom I met for the first time at The Faculty of Medicine, Colombo, in 1961. We were all students, dissecting dead bodies and learning to understand the rigorous new subjects in medicine, which included studying Human Anatomy, Biochemistry, 
Physiology, etc.

Tissa and I were in the same study group. Some days he used to come to the hostel Blomfenten, where some of the medical students were housed, and we would study together.
We passed out as doctors and got our first appointments as interns, where Tissa was assigned to work with consultant physician Dr. Wilson and I with Prof. Rajasuriya at the General Hospital.

After the completion of our internship, Tissa was posted to Hiniduma Hospital and I to Tangalle Hospital.
At this time, Tissa had married his longtime sweetheart, Shrini. They were married for almost 56 years until his demise. They were blessed with two adorable children, Tishani and Chaminda.

As time passed, I specialised as a Gynecologist, and Tissa specialised in Public Health, in the Health Department and later, was seconded to the Colombo Municipality as Medical officer of Health, and retired as Chief Medical officer of Health. After retirement, he continued to serve the public in the curative section of the municipality clinics, which consist of 26 dispensaries, as a relief doctor. Here, he interacted with the underprivileged and treated them with passion.

This is a couple loved by all, for their warm hospitality. Be it a family gathering or a party - delicious food, music, fun, and laughter were inevitable. In the same way, they have been there for many in times of need.
We were also fortunate to have them join us on the pilgrimage to Buddhagaya.

Writing about this wonderful friend and brother, I can only add that our lives too were enriched by him and his family’s association, who were there at all our events, be it 
happy or sad.
Tissa lived a full life with his loving family. He was a loving husband, a beloved father and father-in-law, a grandfather, and, most importantly, a great grandfather too.
So, dear brother, although your presence will be missed, we will be there for Shrini and your loving family. Finally, with all the good Karmas you have done in this life, may they help you attain the Supreme bliss of Nibbhana.