Memories of humility and a great friendship

Remembering K. Samaranayake, my best and beloved friend for 66 years,  is indeed  very sad. It is with a heavy heart but also with fond memories and love that I put pen on paper in tribute to my dear friend Sam who bade farewell to us on  June 28. 

I first met him on  September 2, 1960. The day I joined the Ceylon Transport Board head office. Since then,  we have been inseparable friends. We were from the same locality and become thick friends,  having visited each other’s home towns. Sam was a Mahindian and  became a very popular figure at the office. He served as the staff assistant in the Finance Division at C.T.B. Head Office and served there for a long time. 

He was very kind, humble and composed. He had a natural gift of forming friendships and positively influencing those around him. We were both JPs and  Sworn Translators. Besides, He printed some very valuable Buddhist books for young people. 

He led a very happy life and  all his children and in-laws are doing very well. His Life was gentle and the elements so mixed in him,  that nature might stand up and say to the whole world --  this was a man. 

May your journey through sansara continue to be rewarding,  and may you finally attain the Supremes Bliss of Nibbana.

By Reggie De Zoysa