In Memory of Deshabandu Dr. Lilaknath Weerasinghe : A Personal Appreciation
Posted on October 13th, 2015
Shenali D Waduge
Dr. Jeewaka Bandara phoned around 7a.m. last morning to inform the passing away of Dr. Lilak. When his call came something inside felt it was to convey that sad news. Dr. Lilak had been ill for some time. Thus, 12th October 2015 took another Buddhist stalwart from us. Dr. Lilak was a surgeon by profession and was the former President of SUCCESS Sri Lanka (Kandy Chapter). He would have turned 70 on 18th November. Buddha said neither fire nor wind, birth nor death can erase our good deeds and Dr Weerasinghe’s reputation for his social service to the less privileged and the magnanimous efforts undertaken to the cause of the Buddha Sasana is etched in our memories and the Buddhist records of contemporaries who have tirelessly taken up the challenge to protect and foster Buddhism in Sri Lanka. A highpoint of his work on Buddhism was to extend an invitation to an eight member Indian Buddhist delegation led by Ven Dr Bhadant Rahula Bodhi Maha Thera in 2013 to strengthen ties between Buddhists of the two countries and bring India and Sri Lanka closer through the historical bond and civilizational link of Buddhism.
On a personal note my gratitude to Dr. Weerasinghe will remain for helping to organize my father’s dhana at the Dalada Maligawa last December and thereafter arranging a meeting at his residence with members of the Success Sri Lanka to discuss pressing issues. We enjoyed Mrs. Weerasinghe’s tea time treats over tea & coffee and a beautiful view of Kandy from their house on top of a hill. These fond memories have been returning ever since the news of Dr. Weerasinghe’s death was heard.
My heartfelt condolences to Mrs. Weerasinghe and his two daughters and the family as they grieve.
Dr. Weerasinghe is no more but his energy and spirit must be continued by all of us aligned to protecting the Buddhist heritage of Sri Lanka and generating compassion among citizens of our nation. There are many others who silently appreciate and acknowledge the services of Dr. Weerasinghe over the years in the service of the Dhamma and society.
We are what we think,
All that we are arises with our thoughts
With out thoughts we make the world”
May Dr Lilak attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana
Shenali D Waduge
October 13th, 2015 at 8:07 am
We are truly sad about his death,just come back from his home.
He saved my wife’s life twice and have gone to SL for surgeries performed by him thrice.His wife’s family is from Kandy and have been our play mates from the age of 10.
We wish he rest in peace.Bye Lal,we miss you, only treated me a month ago,still popping your hbp pills.
October 13th, 2015 at 3:33 pm
Well done is that action of doing
which one not repents later,
and the fruit of which
one reaps with delight and happiness.
October 13th, 2015 at 3:51 pm
Thank you for this write up, Shenali.
A great loss to the enitre Nation. Dr Weerasinghe’s energy and spirit as a surgeon and his acts in many other ways to serve the Nation and to protect the values of Buddhism endears him to our Hearts. I did not know him, but it is obvious that this is a person dear to the core values of the Heart of the Nation.
Our deepest sympathies to his wife and family.
May he attain Nibbana.
October 13th, 2015 at 4:30 pm
My deepest sympathies to the family and SUCCESS who will miss his contributions.