Appreciation – Mrs. Gowry Shankari Thavarasha

There exists an assemblage of people who are determined to make this world a better place for the rest of us just because it’s the right thing to do. If one sentence can paint a picture of who Gowry nenda was, it’d be that.

My recollections of that almighty bang down the hallway of our home in September of 2008 are quite shallow, possibly because I was only three, but one thing I do remember is that a friendly face showed up at our door early next morning and took us to a safe place. That face was hers and this was the only first of many, many more instances where that friendly face showed up, bringing with it the kindest and most compassionate heart one could dream of and a helping hand at the first sign of a day gone wrong.

We’d often find ourselves itinerant with her and her family. She was always glad to join us and would regularly invite us to join her as well. She added emphatically to the enjoyable experiences that were so profuse during those retreats by means of her bubbly and sociable personality.

We’d often go to see her at her place and we were greeted every time to a warm hug from her and a table full of the most appetizing food in the world – her signature Jaffna Chicken Curry was my favorite. She’d also come by our place quite often and never did she show up empty handed. Giving was in her blood.

I’m not qualified to speak to her standing in her profession, but from what I saw and heard she was as genuine as advocates for justice get. She didn’t see class or race or the other things that tend to so often divide Sri Lankans – she only saw the human in them and the injustices they faced.

I could go on about the time we had together but this serves as a rationale to why I was as delighted and excited as I was, every time I was told that we were going to see her and it is why I will always, for all time cherish the delightful experiences and memories we shared together.

I’m still in shock and misery at the utterly undeserved and depressing turn of events of August 23. To her I say thank you, thank you for your unconditional love and care for both me and my brother Maanikya – Podda.

You represent the best of humanity. May your Soul Rest in Peace. Om Shanti!

Au revoir Gowry nenda – Lokka.

Chithmina Weliamuna