To all grieved family members, relatives, his pupils & friendsDeepest sympathies, on the passing away of Mr. Sugathadasa Kariyawasam. I was grief stricken and brought me to tears, when his dearly beloved wife, Hemalatha passed the sad news. Numerous are matters to write about this genial friend who was my classmate since 1948 until we finished school life in 1959 at Richmond College, Galle. In spite of travelling nearly 8 Km to school from his home at Talagaha , Akmeemna he managed to take part in the javelin throw at the sports meet.
He joined the tutorial staff of his alma mater as a teacher after graduating in Science in the University of Colombo in 1961. Rightfully he was well accepted as an excellent teacher of mathematics in the Advance Level. He produced good results during his period of teaching enabling many students gaining entrance to the Faculty of Engineering and Physical Science. He was the master in charge of cricket.
He was the Vice principal and was appointed as the Principal after a short spell as Officiating Principal. That was in 1971 to 1977.
He was a fun-loving man of subtle humour. He moved with students, teachers and numerous friends equally at ease disregarding their status, and ever helpful in their hours of difficulties. He used to take me home from Galle, in his Morris Minor EL 1750 and drop me at my doorstep in Godakanda, as night falls after a few games of Billiards, his favorite pastime in his leisure hours.
Domiciled in Nigeria for over 23 years he was teaching in Colleges of Education. All his three sons were educated there passing out as engineers in Universities of International standard. The responsibility his wife endured, in an alien land to bring up their children is praiseworthy. This facilitated his husband’s effort.
His three sons presently run their own Engineering Enterprise in Abujah, the capital of Nigeria. I am fully aware his beloved wife, and his most cherished sons, Danesh, Dharshana and Dayan together with his ever amiable daughters-in-law, did their best to keep him comfortable until Death laid his icy hands on this gentle human being. Special thanks should be bestowed on his daughter in-law, a medical officer who was ever concerned with her father-in-law in collaboration with her father, Mr. Austin Fernando.
I used to visit him often when he was back in SL and living in his home at Morris Rd, Galle. To ease treatment for his illness he moved to his Son’s residence at Hedges Court, Borella, and from there to Rajagiriya. I visited him at these places too.
We had lunch together on my last visit to his residence at Talawatugoda one and a half months back. He insisted me to come again. I regret circumstances failed a re-visit.
Now I bid you good bye, Dear Kari, my closest friend whose life was a candle among us faded away, your lovable memories ever growing in our heart. May you attain the bliss of Nibbana !
P. K Senadheera
