‘‘Farewell, Beloved Subo’’ - a wonderful, loyal and loving cousin

Subo had a flair for the arts from a young age. She dreamed of being a dancer, and at school, she shone brilliantly, excelling in Spanish, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kandyan dancing, and performing in theatre

She went to London in 1959 to study law and was called to the London Bar (Inner Temple) in 1963. Eventually, she was admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in Australia

It is with a deeply saddened heart that I bid farewell to my precious cousin, Subodhini Radhika Thambiayah Nirmalalingam, who passed away last week. To me, she was more than a cousin—she was my dearest companion, my confidante, and my sister in every way that mattered.

Growing up, Subo and I were inseparable—just three years apart, yet always side by side, two peas in a pod. We loved the same things, shared the same sense of curiosity and adventure, and walked hand in hand through our childhood. Our bond mirrored that of our mothers, Sundari and Rajeswary Sellamuttu, who were also devoted sisters and inseparable friends.

Subo had a flair for the arts from a young age. She dreamed of being a dancer, and at school, she shone brilliantly, excelling in Spanish, Bharatanatyam, Manipuri, Kandyan dancing, and performing in theatre. Although her father initially guided her toward academics, Subo never let go of her other passions. Educated at St. Bridget’s Convent, she left for London in 1959 to study law and was called to the prestigious London Bar, Inner Temple, in 1963.

A good friend of ours in London once remarked that Subo would be the toast at many an Inner Temple dinners, which she often graced, clad elegantly in her beautiful sarees. Her beauty and sparkling personality often made her the centre of attention in these legal circles. Subo was also admitted to the Supreme Court of New South Wales in Australia. This, too, was an amazing milestone in her professional career. 

In London, she did not forget her passion for dancing—training in Flamenco under the renowned Tari Moreno. She even performed before Queen Elizabeth II, a remarkable achievement that reflected her grace and elegance.

On returning to Colombo, she took part in the celebrated Fiesta Flamenco in 1964, participating with many of her close friends. She certainly left an indelible mark on the cultural scene of our time.

Her talents were not confined to the stage alone. Subo was a gifted sportswoman, playing netball for St Bridget’s and Shamrock, and later represented Tamil Union. 

Above all her attributes, she proved equally extraordinary in the business world. After starting at Browns as a lawyer, she went on to lead her father’s company, The Cargo Boat Despatch Co. Ltd., rising to Chairperson and steering its subsidiaries with great vision. She was a founder director of the Cargo Boat Development Company PLC and Renuka Hotels PLC, and also served on the boards of Hatton National Bank PLC and Cargills Ceylon PLC, representing our family interests. These were remarkable accomplishments for any person—and especially so for a woman in that era. Subo was a truly exceptional example of an entrepreneur and visionary business leader in her time, winning the agency for the then-famous Hanjin shipping lines. We, her family, were endlessly proud of her.
But beyond her talents and achievements, Subo was beautiful and charming, with a quick wit and a great sense of humour that many will remember her by. She was strong and charismatic, yet kind and welcoming to all who crossed her path. People were drawn to her warmth, her laughter, and the way she made everyone feel at ease. She had an unwavering faith in God and Christianity, a faith that only grew stronger in her later years.

Her personal journey was just as special as her professional one. When she married Nimo Nirmalalingam and became pregnant with her beloved son, Dhiren, I, too, was expecting my firstborn, Rajeev. Once again, our paths aligned perfectly—we were young mothers together, navigating yet another milestone side by side.

I still remember with such joy the night we both danced until dawn to the band Jetliners at Coconut Grove, Galle Face Hotel. We were then eight months pregnant, laughing and twirling as if time stood still.

That was Subo – full of life, courage, laughter, and grace. She lived fully, excelled greatly, and loved deeply. She was a daughter, wife, sister, mother, leader, artist, and above all, a beautiful soul who touched many lives.

Our darling cousin, my Subo, Wicky and I will miss you beyond words. But we will carry with us the warmth of our childhood adventures, the joy of our youthful times together, and the pride of your extraordinary life. May your soul rest in eternal peace, surrounded by the love you so richly gave to those you loved.

You will be forever loved, my precious Subo!
Sheranee Sellamuttu