A tribute to a Professor Emeritus and friend

Professor Emeritus Chandra Gunawardena, Founder Dean, Faculty of Education, Open University Sri Lanka passed away on August 30, 2021. Her death leaves a huge vacuum in the Field of Education in Sri Lanka. She was indeed a stalwart and a larger than life figure in that sphere.

Personally, to me, she was a long-standing sincere friend and her death shocked me to the very core. She will be greatly missed. 

We had known each other since schooldays, way back in the 1950s but it was only later in life that we became close friends. Both attended Kalutara Balika Vidyalaya. She being younger to me, was one grade lower, but I remember her well as cheerful, vivacious, always with a smile and above all bright in her studies.

Finishing school, we met in 1962 at University of Peradeniya during undergraduate days and later in 1968-69 at the same venue when we did Postgraduate Diploma in Education. Here, we got some catch-up time in between lectures and lunch time, thus closing the gaps and getting to know each other better. Whenever needed, Chandra shared her understandings and insights with me without any hesitation. That’s how genuine and sincere she was. To this day, I recall those conversations with gratitude. She came off the Final Examination in flying colours with a Distinction pass.

The following year Chandra was appointed Assistant Lecturer, Faculty of Education, University of Peradeniya and later University Of Colombo. At the same time, I too had a short spell as Assistant Lecturer in both these places and I was able  to catch up with her. Chandra completed her Master of Arts while I started mine. Her work ethics inspired me to carry out my research with confidence. Meanwhile, she won a scholarship from La Trobe University, Melbourne, Australia to do her Ph.D studies. After receiving her Doctorate she resumed her duties as Senior Lecturer of Education. By that time, I had finished my Master of Philosophy degree and was contemplating further studies. Lucky I had my friend back and knowing that she was the best consultant, I turned to her for advice and direction. I was amased how she responded when I told her my intentions. Her smile said it all. She gave me the best advice and direction that she could possibly give and I ended up with a scholarship from Latrobe University to do my Ph.D studies. I am privileged to call myself her friend. I was deeply touched by her genuine sincerity. After finishing my studies, I settled down in Melbourne along with my husband and two children, and Chandra and I kept in touch. Later her husband, Bandula came to Melbourne to do his Ph.D at Monash University and was always welcome at our place.

In 1993, Chandra was Professor of Education, Open University Sri Lanka and in 2001 Senior Professor. She continued with her research work tenaciously. She had several hundreds of research papers published in highly recognised journals both national and international. Her research covered many Sectors of Education ranging from Early Childhood to Tertiary and Teacher Education. Her research projects stretched far and wide including international organisations such as UNESCO, UNICEF, UNDP and Asian Development Bank to name a few.

During her tenure of many decades, she taught and lectured to thousands of undergraduate and postgraduate students to achieve their academic and vocational goals. She was also Acting Vice Chancellor, Open University for several years.

Even after retirement, Professor Gunawardena never stopped doing what she was so passionate about and pursued her research interests until her last breath. Her diligence and dedication was an inspiration. The legacy she left behind will no doubt remain intact for posterity.

 My dearest friend, may you find Peace and Love in your journey throughout Sansara and most of all that eternal Peace Nibbana.

Professor Emeritus Chandra Gunawardena leaves behind two beautiful children, daughter Indunil (ENT Surgeon) based in Sydney, Australia and son Lasitha (Engineer) in USA and three beautiful grandchildren.
Dr. Rani de Alwis
Melbourne,Australia