From Parapawa to Badulla — The Journey of Our Siri Mama

Parapawa is a beautiful small village at the foot of Namunukula Mountain near Passara in the Uva Province. It is one of the most scenic places in the area. My mother’s grandfather, Parapawe Kiriappa, was a tall, handsome man who could speak Sinhala, Tamil, and English fluently. He worked as the Kankanama (supervisor) at the British-owned Namunukula Tea Estate. Dressed always in a khaki suit, John White boots, hat, and pocket watch, he was a picture of pride and dignity.

His wife, Parapawe Kiri Amma, was a short, kind-hearted lady who treated everyone with warmth and generosity. She helped build the Parapawa Temple and was well-known for her kindness and generosity. Every year before the Sinhala New Year, Kiriappa would travel by boat to Madras, returning with gifts, clothes, and sweets for relatives and villagers alike.

They had several children. The youngest, Parapawe Damma Jothi Thero, was a brilliant student at Dharmaraja College and Asgiriya Pirivena. He became a monk, later returned to family life, and was a respected and thoughtful person. Their eldest daughter, Sudu Manika, was my grandmother. The second daughter married Mr. Weerasinghe, an estate officer from Baddegama. Their eldest son was our beloved Siri Mama.

Siri Mama was a bright and determined student who walked nearly twelve miles daily from Parapawa to Passara Central College. He studied in English, was active in debating, and played football for his school. He once won the Plantation Shield for English speech. After completing his education, he joined Dharmadutha College in Badulla as a teacher, where he became popular for his teaching style and neat white national dress.

He was loved by everyone — calm, respectable, and full of good manners. Whenever he came home to Parapawa, he brought small gifts — jam tins, toffees, and sometimes Bristol cigarettes for the elders. Marriage proposals were arranged by “Ayi Nana Achchi,” but none seemed to work out at the time.

One day, while travelling by train, he had a sudden accident and was treated at the hospital. There he met a kind and caring nurse, Kalyani Nanda. Their friendship slowly turned into love, and soon they were married. Both received transfers to Passara — he continued teaching, and she worked at the hospital. Their new home at Kotamuduna was full of laughter and friendship. Every Sunday, the house was alive with visitors, stories, and delicious meals.

A few years later, they were blessed with a beautiful baby girl named Manike — the little princess of the family. She grew up surrounded by love and warmth, later becoming a teacher herself, known affectionately as “Japan Teacher.”

Sadly, one day Kalyani Nanda passed away suddenly, leaving deep sorrow in the family. Yet Siri Mama continued to live gracefully, speaking daily with friends and relatives until his final day. His gentle voice, wise thoughts, and kind heart remain in our memories.

His journey began in Parapawa, beneath the shadow of Namunukula, and ended peacefully in Badulla. His life was a blessing to all who knew him — a man remembered for his simplicity, kindness, and lasting love for family.