Pauline Gunewardene has led and marshalled the Ceylon Society of Australia in its Sydney base and HQ for several years with verve and determination. When she presents a TRIBUTE, as she does on this occasion for Dr Siri Kannangara, it is a Vale of A Tribute indeed.
Vale Dr Siri Kannangara, AM. Truly a giant among men in his life of service. Truly a man to be mourned by all, as we do as an entire community, joined together in grieving for the passing of this man of boundless compassion for everyone, giving so generously of his services without limits, in the true spirit of helping his fellow humans on this path of life. May you attain the Supreme Bliss of Nibbana. ………… “To know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived, this is to have succeeded.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
Indeed a monumental loss. Didn’t have the privilege of meeting the Great Man, but came to know of him extremely well after his untimely passing away by reading the many wonderful tributes.
I was particularly taken up by his very humble beginnings in rural SL and his ambition at the very tender age of 5 years when he told his father that he wanted to attend Royal College. In pursuing his ambition he needed to be boarded in Colombo at a very early age and experienced a most arduous journey during his hostel years. I feel particularly elated to know that we attended the same school. His humanitarian deeds and his unique engaging personality were trademark attributes. I grieve not being able to meet him personally as I could have acquired so much from listening to him. I salute you Dr Siri and may your Soul Rest in Peace.
Lorenz Pereira
.
Dr. Siri Kannangara was certainly a Man for all Seasons with a golden heart. I have known him for several years. He worked in Christ Church, NZ many years ago with my first cousin and brother-in-Law, Professor, Ranjithan TambyRaja. After the demise of Prof. TambyRaja, whenever Siri visited he would call on Ranjithan’s widow and their children without fail. With his additional expertise in Sports Medicine, he guided me extremely well in relation to my shoulder pain. Never accepted a fee.
May his soul rest in eternal peace.
Today (20 June 2024) is Prof. Siri’s funeral, here in Sydney. You can join online (2:30pm – 5.30pm Sydney time) at https://www.filmdrop.com.au/LS-ProfSiriKannangaFuneral/