A Tribute to Uncle Lakshman

My family and I were in Melbourne for the Christmas holidays in December when I received a call from my father-in-law, Nahil.

- - Rehan Jayawickreme

He said, "Rehan, Lakshman has passed away, and I am on my way to the hospital.The surge of emotion that followed is difficult to describe. I struggled to stay on my feet, and the next thing I recall is sitting on the sidewalk, trying to understand how a man I believed to be healthy and strong was suddenly gone. Without hesitation, we booked the earliest available flight. That instinctive decision felt automatic.

After reading several memorial pieces written about him, I felt compelled to put my own reflections into words about someone who profoundly influenced my life.

Lakshman Balasuriya, or simply "Uncle Lakshman" to me, was married to my mother's sister, Janine. He was an exceptional individual, possessing qualities that often feel rare in today's world. Soft spoken, dignified, and what Sri Lankans would describe as a true gentleman.

I cannot recall a single instance where he raised his voice. His responses were always thoughtful, composed, and considerate. That calm dignity defined who he was, and his parents would have been deeply proud of the man he became.