Arjuna Perera: In Loving Memory of Dr. J. K. S. Weerasekara, a Remarkable Doctor and Beloved Uncle … A Vale & An Adieu in Facebook
With heavy hearts, we bid farewell to a truly extraordinary individual, my wife’s uncle, who departed from us last Monday. As we reflect on his life, we are reminded of his immense contributions as a gifted Orthopaedic surgeon and as an exceptional human being. His legacy as a doctor goes beyond the operating room. Through his expertise and care, he touched the lives of countless patients, providing healing and comfort in their times of need. His dedication to his profession was a shining example of selflessness and compassion.
Beyond his medical achievements, he was the cornerstone of the Weerasekara family; he exuded kindness and warmth, extending his helping hand not only to his relatives, but also to many others who were fortunate to cross his path. His heart knew no boundaries when it came to extending love and support.
I had the privilege of becoming a part of this lovely family 25 years ago, and Uncle welcomed me with open arms. Every visit to his home was a reminder of his genuine nature. He always found time to engage, to listen, and to share his wisdom. His presence radiated respect and admiration, and I hold him in the highest regard. Today, as we say goodbye, we carry forward his teachings of kindness, generosity, and dedication to others. May his soul find eternal peace, and may his memory continue to inspire us all.
Rest in Peace, dear Uncle. Your legacy will forever live on in the lives you’ve touched.
***** *****
A NOTE from Michael Roberts, 14 August 2023
Susiri’s compassion and warmth was enhanced by his simplicity and his energy. Suits and glittering dinner-clothes were not his ‘suit’. He was a helper-incarnated. On one occasion when I was stricken by severe constipation when at my sister’s in Hampden Lane in Wellawatte, he turned up with medicine and guided me to a medical clinic nearby.
But his reach went beyond pals and family. The service he has rendered to people woh had lost their limbs via his generalship of the special establishment at the Friend-in-Need Society located at Colpetty was unmatched. It was a far-reaching set of activities. This humanitarian work has been recorded in several features in Thuppahi.
No greater AWARD to Susiri can be accorded than the picture of him in everyday/workday clothes with a fellow-worker and two female LTTE medics at an SL Army camp in late 2009 when he and his colleagues were fitting artificial limbs for Tamils in (temporary) custody.
Susiri is the second from the left in white shirt with one of his workers nex to him and two LTTE medics at each end
Michael Roberts 2010 “Feet across the Land, One and All: The Vitality of the Colombo Friend-in-Need Society,” http://thuppahis.com/2010/05/27/%E2%80%9Cfeet-across-the-land-one-and-all%E2%80%9D-the-vitality-of-the-colombo-friend-in-need-society/
Michael Roberts 2010 “The Jaipur Foot in Sri Lanka: renewable Energy, Little People, Many Miracles,” http://thuppahis.com/2010/06/29/the-jaipur-foot-in-lanka-renewable-energy-little-people-many-miracles/
Michael Roberts 2019 “Dr Susiri Weerasekera.: A Man for All Seasons,” 4 October 2019, thuppahis.com/2019/10/04/dr-susiri-weerasekera-a-man-for-all-seasons/
Susiri Weerasekera 2012 “Fitting Artificial Limbs for the IDPs and ex-Tigers, July 2009 to March 2010 — FINS at the frontline,” 23 September 2012, https://thuppahis.com/2012/09/23/7108/
*****B
