Dear Philip
I would be very grateful if you could put this note in memory of our
batchmate Durmila on the Blog.
Many thanks
Soma
It is with deep sadness that I write these words in memory of our dear friend and batchmate Duru (Durmila as she was widely known) who passed away on Friday 3 August 2018.
I was fortunate to spend some quality time with her when I visited Sri Lanka earlier this year, sadly our last time spent together.
I was privileged to be her friend for over 68 years. Those were fun times we spent first as Bridgeteans. Our group of close school friends included Shandhinie, Bales, Cissy, Srima J, Ranjinie, and Srima K.
Later at Medical College, Priya, Ranjinie, Srima J and I became a part of Duru’s family. We enjoyed many days and nights at Duru’s family home at 77 Barnes Place, with “Mummy”, Uncle Jack, Kum, Lucky, Dougie and Chuti. That house holds so many happy memories.
Duru’s thoughtfulness, care and support to family, friends and
acquaintances was unwavering. She was always there with a solution to every obstacle in the path of life, and her courage in the face of adversity was amazing. Always by her side was Kum with his unwavering love, a tower of strength, since our school days. Their romance memorably began when as a young tennis player himself, he coached Duru as one of St Bridget’s star tennis players.
Duru was an inspiration to those around her. She was indeed someone special and I am the richer for having known her for many years.
Dear Duru, as I bid you farewell from a distant land, I feel for Kum, Lucky, Chuti, Dougie, your beloved children Jehan, Rehana, Senaka, their families, and the many loved ones you leave behind.
Dear departed friend may you attain Nibbana.
Soma
