By: Krishantha Prasad Cooray
Former Mayor of Colombo and ex-Sri Lankan High Commissioner to Malaysia, Rosy Senanayake, has suffered an unimaginable loss with the sudden passing of her beloved eldest son, Kanishka, in the early hours of this morning. He was only 41.
Although my own encounters with Kanishka were few, I spoke with him on several occasions. Many dear friends who knew him well have always spoken of him with great warmth and affection. Today, they are heartbroken, but their grief can offer only the faintest glimpse of the unbearable pain Rosy must be enduring.
My heart also aches for Kanishka’s very young daughter, whom he loved and adored. The loss of a loving father at such a tender age is profoundly heartbreaking.
Rosy briefly served as State Minister for Child Affairs in 2015 and was known for taking up the cause of destitute children — she was a champion for their welfare. I also had the privilege of serving alongside Kanishka’s late father, Athula, on the board of Hilton Colombo for several years.
Even before her stint as a very effective and much-liked Sri Lankan High Commissioner in Kuala Lumpur, Rosy had brought fame to her motherland by winning the title of “Mrs World” at the inaugural competition held in Queensland, Australia, in 1984.
There can be no greater sorrow for a mother than losing her child. At this darkest of times, all of us who know and care for Rosy must surround her family with our love, prayers and unwavering support.
May Kanishka rest in eternal peace, and may God grant his mother, Rosy, his beautiful young daughter, his two sisters, and everyone who knew and loved him the strength and courage to endure this devastating loss.
