Mahinda and Mali Gunasekera, whose favoured title runs thus: “Passing away of a great Sri Lankan” pubd 2025/09/4 …. reproduced here with highlights imposed by The Editor, Thuppahi
Mahinda Karunaratne bid farewell to his earthly connections on the 7th of July, 2025 at the ripe old age of 91 years. He had done more than his share to uplift the people of his motherland and had lived a life of service for country and people. He had always acted in a righteous manner to build up his own business while bringing up his five children grounded in the same valued principles.
Mr. Karunaratne was the owner of a printing house which printed all of the Buddhist books and other material when Bhikku Bodhi served as the Editor of The Buddhist Publication Society. His charity, namely the Karuna Trust, carried out a vast amount of charitable deeds such as constructing school buildings for both regular and Dhamma schools, paid for Cataract surgeries of the needy, supplied school books, bags, shoes, scholarships to poor students, provided free meals to children during the recent economic downturn, and dry rations to pregnant women and new mothers, built houses for needy persons, promoted home gardens to generate food, distributed Jack plants to enhance food production. He championed Buddhist causes and was assisted by Ven. Bhikku Bodhi who would contribute funds from the Global Buddhist Relief for such work including royalties earned from his book publications.
His latest project was setting up an Education Centre close to Colombo and Padavi-Siripura where 120 children were trained in Computers, Math, English, Dance and Music free of charge including free meals for all of the children attending the two Centres.
He was indeed a great person who served his motherland in an admirable manner, not seeking any recognition or national honours but from the goodness of his heart. It is hoped that his five children Ravi, Mangala, Indu, Thamara and Nissansala who are taking over from him would emulate his dedication and spirit of service under the guidance of his beloved wife, Senehelatha, who was always there to support his work. We are indeed honoured to have known him for the last 40-50 years and contributed what we could towards his noble efforts.
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana!
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“Life is like a dome of many coloured glass that stains the white radiance of eternity, Death tramples it to fragments.”
These coloured fragments you leave behind at your death, are picked up by your near and dear to build their own multi coloured domes.