His life revolved around the four ‘R’s

I first met Gamini, the eldest son of Albert and Yasa Edirisinghe of Vision House fame, when he got engaged to Roshini Kodagoda of the House of Perera and Sons in 1975: a union formed between two well known families in Colombo.

Gamini was the outstanding epitome of what a proud Sri Lankan stood for. With deep ancestry rooted in the south, educated at a multi-religious school he remained true to his identity as a Sinhala Buddhist.

His greatest loves all began with capital R - Roshini, Ramala, Royal College, and Rotary. No doubt he dearly loved his parents and his siblings Mangala, Thulani, Sharmali and Janaka and their families and they in return adored him. But his life revolved around the big letter R and it was reciprocated a hundred-fold. Roshi was exclusively dedicated to the loving care of Gamini from the time he fell sick. Ramala, Gamini’s pride and joy, grew up to be the wonderful woman she is - a dutiful, loving daughter who along with husband Jehan provided the support for Roshi in caring for Gamini in his prolonged illhealth; their two little daughters a fountain of happiness during the very trying times for Roshi.

Royal College Union and Rotary vied for Gamini’s attention. I knew Rotary recognised Gamini when he was appointed Governor and being at the BMICH on that day at the grand investiture ceremony and postevent felicitations I realized his commitment to the Rotary movement was held in the highest esteem. In the Royal College Union where he held office as Secretary and Vice President there was no young old boy or old old boy that didn’t know Gamini Edirisinghe. I must not forget his commitment to the United National Party. A strong affiliate of the Ranil Wickremesinghe camp, up until he fell sick, Gamini would shout me down if I were to criticise his beloved party or its leader.

Educated at Royal College Colombo, gaining professional qualifications in Optometry and Management from England, Gamini returned to Sri Lanka and worked under his father Albert Edirisinghe expanding the optometry business to cover an all island network. Those were the ’70s and Albert Edirisinghe Opticians were the optometrists sought by all.

Coming from a leading Buddhist family in the country, Gamini and Roshini would host pirith and danas in their own home at Kalyani Road but religion was not limited to those. Gamini lived it in every part and going by the example of his lovely parents he too embraced peoples of all races as one community of Sri Lankans. Post -1983 there were many occasions where Gamini diffused tension, when racist remarks were thrown around by insensitive persons oblivious to my presence, incidents indelibly etched in my memory.

Gamini and Roshi were the perfect hosts and their home was a place relatives and friends gathered on special days where wit and camaraderie prevailed.

Gamini Edirisinghe has passed on but a life well lived will be remembered for a long time to come.

Vijayaluxmi Sivananthan

Rajah