Pushpa Kumara Herat Gunaratne

It is with immense gratitude that I pen these words at the first death anniversary of our beloved Pushpa mama. Pushpa mama as we used to call him was a gentleman. He was soft spoken, extremely jovial and neither have I seen him in anger nor heard him talking ill of another.

It was like yesterday, that I could remember attending the home-coming of my mother's youngest sister Chumma (Chulanee) who married Pushpa Kumara Herat Gunaratne, youngest son of late Mr. and Mrs. Wilmot Herat Gunaratne. We went all the way to Galmuruwa, the ancestral home of Pushpa mama where a grand home-coming was arranged. Galmuruwa Seeya and Kiriamma, the elegant and strong parents of Pushpa mama had arranged nice baila sing-song and the family who loved music danced all the way during the latter part of the night.

Pushpa mama himself loved singing songs, food, trips and enjoyed himself until his demise last year. He loved agriculture where he spent much of his time lately.

He was a nature loving person and I could remember that he loved going to his ancestral home. He used to discuss with me the novel agro-technology and wanted himself to try out the technology in his coconut estates at Galmuruwa.

Even though I could not attend many family get-togethers due to my work commitment, Pushpa mamaand the family always respected my work and commended and I am pleased to be aware that they come forward for any need arises. Pushpa mama was sick for a few years and hospitalised many times. I place a tribute to Chumma who was with Pushpa mama every minute during his last few months knowing that he wanted her near him.

As an Alumni of Ananda College and an Accountant by profession, Pushpa mama was an intellectual and was an expert in his calculations. He very prosperously managed his coconut estates and lived a comfortable life.

He was a devoted Buddhist and lived with the basic principles of Lord Buddha. It was after his demise that we got to know his contribution to the temples and fulfilled Ata Maha Kusal. It is not easy to find self contended, respectable gentleman who hardly criticised others, especially without looking into correct facts. I have never seen him being personalised and always worked on principles. Pushpa mama belongs to this elite category of persons.

May he attain Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.

Professor Kshanika Sannasgala Hirimburegama, Vice-Chancellor, University of Colombo.