Sri Lankan Personalities

Nita Bhareti - An Appreciation

It is with nostalgic memories that we remember our dear mummy on her 87th birth anniversary on the 18th of June.

Today is a very special day for us as her youngest child Anil completes 30 years in Show Biz and he is celebrating this great event on the eve of her birth anniversary ie, today the 17th June at the BMICH at 7 p.m. He is dedicating this show to a mother who was so devoted to her children and made many sacrifices to place all three of them in a vantage position in society.

18th of June was a very special family event down the ages when not only our own immediate family but most of our aunts and uncles, cousins and friends gathered round her to make her happy on her birthday. This was a very special annual event in her life. Those who read this will recall how happy she was to entertain the many visitors who dropped in at home to wish her. It was an open invitation and her loved ones gathered round her year in and year out to spend a very pleasant evening with her. The last time she celebrated her birthday was on the 18th of June 1994 when she celebrated her 80th birthday in grand style.

She was educated at Lady’s College, Colombo and won many prizes in school. Mrs. H. S. R. Gunawardene was a very good friend of hers and she kept in touch with her to the last days of her life.

She was a keen church worker, as a member of the Parochial Council, and a member of the Mothers Union at St. John’s Church Panadura. As a wife of the Vicar’s warden she looked after the priests and some of the visiting priests, making them happy and comfortable. She will be remembered over the years for supplying a nice cup of tea at special church events. As an active member of the Panadura YWCA she served in many spheres. Her special contribution was providing a cup of soup to the Day Care Centre and to other needy persons. She was a friend to all. She was amiable, charming and always had a friendly smile on her face.

There is no doubt Nita Bhareti will be remembered as a devout parishioner of St. John’s Church, Panadura as they celebrate their 125th Jubilee this year as much as she was remembered for her committed service to the YWCA, Panadura when they celebrated their 80th Jubilee last year.

May you continue to rest in perfect peace in the eternal kingdom of God till we meet again.

Fondly remembered by your loving children Nihal, Sharmini, Anil and their families.

Sunday, June 17, 2001 – Island Newspaper