Tribute to Dr. Sarath de Silva on 80th birthday

IN one lifetime, we encounter innumerable people. They touch us in many ways. We remember them and are grateful, of course, but then there are individuals who leave a profound and indelible mark on us. They transform us, Such an individual is Dr. Sarath de Silva

- By Krishantha Prasad Cooray

Our paths first crossed thanks to a mutual friend in the media. From that initial meeting emerged a relationship grounded in trust and deep admiration, mostly mine for him. Literally tens of thousands have been attended to by Dr. Sarath. They too, no doubt, remember him as an extraordinarily compassionate paediatrician. In my case, he was with my children from the moment they took their first breath. How could he not be special, then?

It didn’t stop there. Today, although my family resides overseas and it is easy to seek and obtain medical care close to home, I still turn to Dr. Sarath frequently. Nothing puts my mind to rest and clears my doubts like his wise counsel. Obviously, his expertise as a physician counts. There is also the warmth of his friendship and the ways in which he makes one feel that he is a close family member. It seems to come naturally to him. Perhaps this is why he is loved so much by those whom he treats and, of course, their parents.