Bernadeen was an activist in several spheres: women’s and children’s issues; poverty; the marginalized; free and fair elections and in church work. Note the word I use – activist. Many a Sri Lankan is interested in these issues but for Bernadeen it was total immersion and working almost round the clock. In religion, hers was not blind faith but questioned and rationalized belief.
Bernadeen Lakshmi Silva's death occurred recently. Her life was prematurely ended, apparently killed through medical carelessness as the autopsy revealed. Therefore the greater sorrow is the fact that her family and all others who knew her, suffer anger, mixed with mourning.It demands a questioning as to why it had to happen, why when recovering from pneumonia her heart had to be lacerated through unpardonable carelessness by a doctor, and thus her death.
Bernadeen, shared her time, love and concern with others, touching the lives of so many from all walks of life, even complete strangers, and she enjoyed it all immensely. There were times she came over to me and the politics and the sad state of our country were set aside. The evening was filled with music and much laughter over a glass of wine. Perhaps while we view her life of concern for others we must celebrate the joy she saw in life.
- Nanda P. Wanasundara
4 comments:
Daughty,
She was always "Daughty" to me, my cousin, my lifelong friend. As Bernadeen Silva she was the well known activist, no cause too big for her. But there was another side to this simple woman, a genuine feeling for the underdog, a sweet and gentle nature which I was privileged to see in the work we did together in the Centre for Family Services and more importantly, in our day to day lives as friend, and relation. There was nothing she refused me, whether it was to attend some function in my home or to talk to me at dead of night or at dawn when I wanted a listening ear. Our differing faiths had no room in these interactions and she would kneel on the ground and pay obeisance to the clergy whenever we had a religious ceremony at home, be the first to phone me when I achieved something in the literary sphere. I remember the last phone call she made to Dinali, my daughter when she was about to leave for University in England and Dinali laughed so much at "Daughty Nanda's" humour!
I will remember Daughty as long as I live, for her warmth , her humour and her friendship as much for the arguments we had which brightened our lives, her spontaneity with which she held out her hand in friendship....all of which make her unforgettable. I am sure that in her after life she will be the same
cheerful presence and spread happiness to all around her.
Vijita.
Sadly I only spoke to Bernadeen on the telephone I never had the privilege of meeting her in person, although my father Vernon may well have met her when we were living in Sri Lanka.
She is truly a pivotal figure in the civil rights movement in Sri Lanka - her life was a service to others. She breathed 'community' and did so much for the socially deprived, the down trodden in Sri Lanka.
May her soul rest in peace.
Ivan Corea
Bernadeen was the Editor of LOGOS, QUEST, and Dossiers. She was a reseracher, counsellor, teacher, full of loving kindness and compassion and empathy.
At the same time whenever the need arose she was stern, and advised sharply. Guidance available always.
Bernadeen was one of the persons we could always turn to when the need arose, and was comforted and consoled by her, with very wise advice being given.
She helped the needy to build houses, and found donors from foreign countries.
I compiled a bibliography of all Bernadeen's articles. Its availbale at The Centre for Society and Religion library.
Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!
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