With great sadness, we share the passing of our beloved husband and father Ananda Samarakoon. He passed away peacefully on Thursday August 24th, surrounded by his loving family.
He fought a rapidly progressing and cruel disease, Motor Neuron disease (MND) for as long as he could. The courage, strength and grace with which he endured the suffering that MND inflicts was nothing but admirable. We were privileged to care for him until the very end. In keeping with Ananda's wishes, we will be holding a small private funeral service just with the immediate family.
Ananda, being the committed scientist that he was, questioned the cause of such a horrible disease and hoped that one day a cure would be found. To help this cause, we have set up a donation page where any proceeds collected will be passed on to the Macquarie University’s MND Service and Research Centre where Ananda himself received exceptional care.
Please do not feel obliged to donate. If you do wish to contribute even a small amount, please do so using the link below.
Love,
Manel, Nadeeka, Tharanga
Donor Wall70
Thilak De silva | A$100
Thalath De Silva | A$100
Very sad to hear this news Thalath and Chandima
Kamani | A$100
Dear Manel akka, Nadeeka and Tharanga duwa, It was deeply sad for the loss of Ananda. May he attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana. Our deepest sympathies from Nelum, Chanaka and family.
Sada & Dianeetha Sadacharan | A$150
Lionel Bopage | A$100
Dear Manel, Nadeeka and Tharanga, It was very sad to hear the news of Ananda's passing. For several years we worked together in the Canberra School of Sri Lankan Dancing and still many memories remain of the creative work we all attended to. We will always remember him and the memories associated with him. Please accept our deepest condolences. Lionel and Chitra Bopage
Maithri Panagoda | A$100
I had the privilege of knowing Ananda for over 50 years. He enriched my life. His humility, high intelligence and passion for singing will never be forgotten.
Anil & Ramyani Abeywickrema | A$100
A special friend with many talents and great human qualities. May he attain Nibbana.
Shanthilal & Nirmala | A$100
We were so sad to hear that Ananda had passed away following a period of illness. We shared a special bond with Ananda as he had studied with both of us. On many occasions we met, we reminisced about his days at Ananda College and hostel with Shanthilal and his time at Aquinas with Nirmala. We will always remember his warm smile and the sparkle in his eyes. May his journey in sansara be short and may he be freed of all dukkha. Shanthilal & Nirmala
Peter
Such tragic news. So sorry for your loss.
Nishadee | A$50
Maneesha De Silva | A$200
Vinindra Weerasuria | A$100
May he attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana. Our deepest sympathies from Mala and Vinindra Weerasuria
Gothami | A$100
In loving memory of Dr. Samarakoon, one of the greatest professors to teach me.
Sena
Ranjit Gajanayake | A$100
In loving memory of Ananda whose kindness touched everyone he met.
Ari | A$200
Dear Manel and family, our deepest sympathies. We grieve with you the loss of a sincere,humble, gentleman with a very kind heart who excelled in his field of science.
Vanessa
My sincere condolences to the family for their loss
Thuy Anh Phan
Dear Manel, Nadeeka, Tharanga, sending our deepest condolences to you and your families. Another star shines bright in the sky. Thinking of you all. Love from Twee and family
Lavinia Pryor | A$100
We are so very sorry for your loss. Sending all our love. The Pryor family.
Ranjith Gamage | A$250
In loving memory of Ananda, the kindest soul. Our deepest condolences Manel and family. Ranjith, Kamal and Heshani
Mia | A$100
Eva | A$100
I wish I had known Mr Samarakoon. But from what I have heard from Tharanga (Tee) he was a wonderful father, husband, grandfather and scientist. He will be dearly missed. Our hearts go out to you all who have lost someone so dear.
Achala | A$200
Rest in peace, dear Ananda uncle! Please accept our deepest sympathies Tee and family.
Shannon Kim | A$100
We are very sorry for your loss. There are no words big enough to describe your sadness. We are praying for you and your family. Love, Shannon, Charles and James
Suhanthy | A$100
May a cure be found to help put an end to MND
Minnie Singh-Murphy | A$100
Our deepest respect to your late dad, Tee. ❤️ The Singh-murphys
Indra Kuruppu | A$50
Our deepest condolences to Manel and family. Ananda and Manel had a long association with the Panditharatne family and in particular with Shiranee. Ananda was a quiet, gentle and clever man. May his journey through Samsara be a short one. Indra & Lal Kuruppu
Jayantha Premasiri | A$200
In loving memory of Ananda sir. Our thoughts and prayers with Manel, Nadeeka, and Tharanga. Premasiri, Kumudu, Harini, and Kasun
Dayanthi Nugegida | A$50
Diyamanthi& Munasinghe Galpoththage | A$100
Dear Ananda,Remembering the time Ranjika & I worked for you as Botany demonstrators in the Botany Dept.of Colombo Campus ,University of Sri Lanka in 1974 and also later as a friend of Munasinghe and myself and as the dear husband of our friend and classmate,Manel.May you attain nibbana as early as possible in your sansaric journey.