Tribute to extraordinary lady on her birthday

Lion Manel Watawala the ever smiling beautiful spouse of the “pride of our Lions District” Past International Director Sunil Watawala passed away on 05 November last year after a brief illness, causing us an irreparable loss and creating a void in our lives, that no one could fill.

Shiranthi and I have been fortunate and privileged to associate with this wonderful lady and her husband Sunil for more than 40 years. We miss the bundles of sweets we used to get for our daughters before every trip to Australia.

Whilst PID Sunil has been a hardliner and a stickler for discipline with his uncompromising integrity for quality and values, Manel always remained a calm, charming and an unassuming role model of love, compassion and generosity.

Manel’s mission was one that made a great difference and impact on the lives of so many people as she continued to be engaged in many worthwhile service projects which included the renovation and maintenance of the Rheumatology Ward in the Negombo Base Hospital. She was also responsible in setting up a 10-bed Ward with Swedish aid at the same hopital for treatment of elderly people.

She continually expressed love and charity and demonstrated to others the importance of loving and of not being afraid of saying it.

Manel had a miraculous escape more than 16 years ago when the car she was travelling collided with a train at an unprotected level crossing in Negombo, where the car was dragged on for more than 150 metres until the train came to a stop. Whilst the driver was killed on the spot, a perfect example of a divine intervention was experienced when Manel got away with only slight neck injuries.

Manel was always with PID Sunil in good times, and in bad, walking with him side by side, hand in hand ensuring that, never would there be a faltering step. She was certainly the “wind beneath the wings” of PID Sunil and continued to support and inspire him, remaining steadfast and resolute through the vagaries of life as his guiding star, promoting the lofty ideals and philosophies that they both held so dear.

This was quite evident when PID Sunil kissed Manel’s coffin, just before she was laid to rest, wailing in grief and stating “Manel I love you. All I have achieved in my life is because of you”

Even though, this vivacious and beautiful lady an epitome of elegance, charm and poise has left us for good, we can take solace in the fact that she led an exemplary life and the happy memories we enjoyed in her company, will continue to linger in our hearts forever.

The best tribute we can pay our dear friend Manel is to emulate her exemplary conduct and continue all the good deeds that she was engaged in.

May she attain the supreme bliss of “Nirvana”

Mohan de Silva