A GRACIOUS LIFE REMEMBERED: MRS.YASMIN SAMARAWEERA

Three-Month Commemoration fell on May 18

- A.G. Kumudika Fernando Daughter

The third-month commemoration of the late Mrs Yasmin Samaraweera, who passed away at 79, fell on May 18. Remembered for her quiet strength and grace, her loss followed that of her husband, Maliban Biscuits Chairman the late Mr Ratnapala Samaraweera, by six months. This appreciation reflects on her role in guiding her children and embodying the values that shaped their lives.

It is just three months with the sudden passing of our mother Mrs Yasmin Samaraweera at 79 years. Her ending was pain-free and quiet like the life she led, guiding us with her quiet strength and resolve. This loss became more profound as we lost our loving father Mr Ratnapala Samaraweera, the Chairman of Maliban Biscuits, six months prior to Amma's passing.I am penning this appreciation note on behalf of my brother Tharangitha as well to appreciate Amma's strength and selfless ability to steer us to become responsible citizens. Amma was the 3rd in a family of seven siblings. Her father, the late Mr M.B. Dissanayaka hailed from Kurunegala and settled down in Kandy. He was a former Excise Commissioner and on retirement became the Chairman of Directorate of the Alliance Francaise and remained as the Consul General for France up to his death. He was a renowned linguist fluent in English, French, Latin and Japanese.

Amma's mother hailed from Kegalle, lived in Anuradhapura and settled down in Kandy after marriage. She was a niece of Mr William Gopollawa, former Governor General and Non-Executive President of Ceylon and her descendants are from the clan who accompanied Arahath Sangamittha Therani from India bringing the Sacred Bo Tree sapling to Sri Lanka.

Amma studied at Holy Family Convent Bambalapitiya, Kandy Girls High School and finally came to Vishaka Vidyalaya - Colombo for her A/Levels.