DAYA KULATILAKE - dedicated teacher, wife and mother

Daya Kulatilake was a teacher to several generations of young students at Dharmasoka College and Kularatne Vidyalaya in Ambalangoda. These were fortunate children who came under the tutelage and guidance of `Premasooriya Miss` as she was lovingly called by students, parents and teachers of these two renowned colleges.

There are not many young and older adults who have not passed through the skillful yet tender hands of this gracious lady known for her sweet endearing manner and her vast knowledge of books on language, literature, mathematics and social studies. As a primary school teacher she had to handle all the subjects on the curriculum in each class. This she did with utmost efficiency and devotion to her vocation, spending time and energy far beyond the call of duty. Her parents had been teachers too from Yogiyana, Sandalankawa, and so from her childhood she had inherited the ethics of teaching and the love for it, values that were ingrained in her in an admirable manner. As an only sister to two brothers, Daya retained her innocence and unspoilt nature, and these traits stood out in her life even as an adult, a wife, mother, grandmother and a fond relative and friend to all who knew her.

Daya Premasooriya, while still a young maiden was chosen by the doyen of Classical Sinhala music the late Kalakeerthi C. de S. Kulatilake to be his partner in life. It was a challenge and a bond for life that she accepted with her characteristic calm and serenity. C. De S. Kulatilake was a master of classical music, researcher on 'jana gee' as well as a stern disciplinarian

There are not many young and older adults who have not passed through the skillful yet tender hands of this gracious lady known for her sweet endearing manner

with a stentorian voice that echoed in the home as well as wherever he worked. All these strong facets of character, Daya his pretty young wife faced with undaunted patience sometimes even shedding a silent tear when deeply moved. Daya`s one aim in life was to raise her four young children, inculcating in them solid values based on discipline, hard work, integrity and sound common sense. C. de S. always respected, honoured and supported her intelligent choices and loved her most dearly for her virtuous life. She was focused on all four children being educated to the highest level. Nishadee, Vijitha, Samitha and Dhanoja all entered Sri Lankan universities and reached the highest levels of intellectual achievement. This was the crowning glory of this mother`s remarkable life. She was a lady with a mission and how beautifully she fulfilled it, whilst retaining her usual charming and amiable self, keeping contact with others in her family, her friends and all whom she knew.

Twenty years ago when my daughter Samanti joined this happy family as Vijitha`s wife, we were overjoyed. Thenceforth, `Daya akka` was like a sister to me, and we shared many happy moments together. To the others too who came into her family, Jayantha Muthumala, Kumudu and Dr. Daminda, Daya akka was a loving mother and a trusted friend. Her life was beautiful and praiseworthy and the memories she has left behind are ones of simplicity and sweetness.

May she soon realise the bliss of Nibbana!