Irangani Atukorala, 1926-2024

I pen these lines with sadness and a heavy heart as a few hours ago on May 17, I was informed of the passing away of my only sister, Irangani Atukorala nee Seneviratne, at the ripe age of 96 and six months.

Iragani was born in the Deniyaya Hospital where our father, Dr. D.R. Seneviratne, was the DMO. at that time. She grew up in Deniyaya and Elpitiya when our father was transferred to these hospitals. After that my father was appointed Judicial Medical Officer in Galle where he served for many years. Akka schooled at Southlands College, Galle, whose principal was the renowned educationist, Ms. Edith Ridge.

Later on my father was transferred to Colombo where he served as Police Surgeon until his demise at the early age of 56-years. While in Galle and Colombo, she excelled at playing the piano and Western music and won the award of LTCL and LRSM, when she attended Ladies’ College.

It was while she was at our home in 200, Havelock Road, that she first met her future husband Don Gunasena Atukorala, later chairman of the State Engineering Corporation. The rest is history. It is indeed sad to note that Sena died just three months before her at the age of 99 years and nine months. Thankfully Akka passed away very peacefully in her sleep.

I will certainly miss her and the chats I had with her every week. Her son, Prasanna, used to visit her at the nursing home where she spent er final years every week. Using his smart phone she chatted with me just a week ago. I complimented her on the every elegant kaftan she was wearing and she replied ‘that’s what you gifted me some time ago’.

Akka and Sena produced three fine children. The eldest, Aravinda, 65 is a highly qualified accountant and IT professional; Ruvini, 63, is also a similarly qualified accountant and Prasanna, 62, an investment banker. All three children looked after their parents most devotedly, especially Ruvini who visited her parents daily, morning and evening, without any interruption.

In the past, I used to visit Akka and Sena regularly and enjoyed staying in their home in Horsley. Regretfully at age 90, I cannot travel anymore as travel and health insurance is not possible. So I missed these visits during Akka’s final years.

I looked up to her and sought her help and advice which I am sorry will not be available any more. But she will live on in my heart and mind. She leaves three fine children who looked after her and Sena with affection and devotion.May she attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana.

Nihal Seneviratne