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| Wednesday, 17 September 2003 |
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Our only living Founder Member (out of the 25 who attended the inaugural meeting) Lady Chrysobel Rajapakse will turn 88, sometimes at the end of this year. She is ailing and unable to attend meetings at the All Ceylon Women's Buddhist Congress any more. It is for this reason that we thought of writing a tribute to her selfless services to our Association. She was barely 35 years of age when Mrs. B.S. Jayawardene mooted the idea of a Buddhist Women's Association, back in 1949. At that time her husband late Sir Lalita Rajapakse was a Cabinet Minister, and it was through his good offices that the Government granted the spacious land on Bullers Road, to commence their social services to less fortunate Buddhist Women. Our first effort was to provide a safe and inexpensive Hostel for Working Girls. From there, the ACWBC expanded into various fields. The Orphanage at Dambuwa which was donated to us by the Mudliyar Peter Weerasekera family, was close to Lady Rajapakse's heart. She was the Convenor there for 11 years. During this period, the Home blossomed in to a well run institute catering to the Educational and Vocational needs of the girls who lived here. A few weddings took place there as well. Lady Rajapakse was much loved by both the girls and the staff, because she took a personal interest in them at all times. Chryso, as her friends call her, was the third President of the ACWBC. During her tenure she organized two massive carnivals - Kantha Mela - to raise funds for the next set of buildings which was the Home for the Blind. From the inception of our Congress, right up to about two years ago (but for 4 years she accompanied her husband to France and UK when he was appointed High Commissioner), she took an energetic interest in all our matters. She was a Trustee of the ACWBC for a very long time. She also served on the Executive Committee, sometimes gaining the highest number of votes at the AGM. She was Vice President for a while, and Chaired various sub-committees. She used to come to our Headquarters almost daily, to look into various matters, calling it her second home! The elders of the Sandhya Home, just loved her wholeheartedly because she cared for them in the same way. Many a time, Lady Rajapakse would write to the incumbent President highlighting shortcomings and suggesting improvements. Such is the esteem they have for her, they would always take her seriously. All of us gave her a patient hearing, because we knew that she truly cared for the well-being and good work of our Congress. Where praise was due, she wrote us encouraging and appreciative letters, which we treasure. She was ever willing to approach any VIP or Organisation to further the Social Service of the ACWBC. It was her idea to build a Hospice for our non - paying ailing elders. This is a fairly unique facility at an Elders Home. Lady Rajapaske will be remembered for her determination and practicality in dealing with any matter at the Congress. She was always elegantly dressed, but not loathe to inspect buildings under construction or repair at the ACWBC with the workmen. She was also the Patron of Dharmacharini because the Dasa Sil Mathas were very close to her heart. She was a generous donor, to our efforts, be it the Avurudu Pola or any other undertaking. Sir Lalitha Rajapakse Trust she created has also donated much to us and to other worthy causes. Today, we miss her vibrant presence in our midst. Even the good, suffer decay, ill health and disabilities. Such is life according to the Buddha Dharmma. We are fortunate that Lady Rajapakse's daughters, Mrs. Vinitha Gunasekera and Miss. Ramani Rajapakse continue to take a keen interest in the activities of the Association. Lady Rajapakse is fortunate to live in comfort in the loving care of her children. We wish her stable health without further deterioration and the Blessings of the Triple Gem as she steps in to her 89th year. The President & Members of the Executive Committee All Ceylon Women's Buddhist Congress. |
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