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Remembering Sudarshini Gunaratnam

Submitted by sharmini on Sat, 04/06/2019 - 16:50

Sudharshini Gunaratnam (1975-2000)

Sudharshini Gunaratnam, President of University of Colombo Christian Fellowship (UCCF) in 2000, and a young member of the Graduates Student Fellowship (GCF) died in a road accident on August 10th, 2000, just one day after her twenty-fifth birthday. ‘Sudha’ as she was affectionately known, had a great influence on many people of her generation in Focus. 

Jasmine Obeysekere describes her as someone who had a zest for life, loved laughing, prayed and planned and worked hard as a student leader. 

Sudharshini de Silva writes about Sudha in FOCUS News, October 2000 says:

We first became friends at UCCF, but got closer on a FOCUS trip to Hatton. At the very outset, I knew Sudha as a very friendly, warmhearted and a helpful person. She was a great source of strength to all her friends—full of ideas and full of faith.

She was a person who showed immense compassion to people who came into contact with her. Her valuable advice kept me going many a time when life appeared tough and unmanageable. Sudha was always there for me: encouraging me to be hopeful, praying for me, and even going to the extent of making certain decisions for me. I will miss her presence and support.

It was great to work with her. She was fun-loving, patient, and more than anything else, I knew her as a person who was very close to God. Even when greatly disturbed, she always kept her faith in the Lord, and encouraged me to do the same. I remember her simplicity, service and kindness, her endearing qualities and friendly disposition.

I learnt from her death the importance of being prepared for the Lord. I thank Sudha for what she taught me through her life. I thank God for giving me such a wonderful friend, even though it was only for a very short time. I cherish her friendship. She was a true inspiration indeed.