Author: nbkodi

“The Wrong Train, The Right Lesson”
About a month ago, Mother was eager to visit Nuwara Eliya and my sister’s family. The day before the Dāne at the Asgiriya Temple organized by Yasasi, on October 26th, she hurried to the AGA office and obtained a railway warrant to travel by train to Nawalapitiya.
As soon as I heard, I went straight to the Weyangoda Railway Station and booked the tickets. Everything seemed perfectly arranged — the journey was set for October 25th at 6 a.m.
On October 24th, we went with Dinithi’s family to Anuradhapura to worship and returned that same day. The next morning, at the station, one of the timekeepers announced, “Badulla train is coming next.” Thinking it was ours, we boarded and sat in the reserved seats — 43 and 44.
Soon after, the railway guard came to check our tickets. He looked surprised.
“You’ve boarded the wrong train,” he said kindly. “There are four trains to Badulla on Saturday mornings. You must check your train number, not just the name.”
I explained that we didn’t know the numbers — we only recognized trains by their names: Mail Train, Udarata Manike, Yal Devi…
He smiled, shook his head slightly, and added, “Madam, your reserved luxury compartment has already passed Polgahawela.” Just then, another passenger arrived, claiming our seats.
Thankfully, the Tamil guard, a truly kind gentleman, thought for a moment and said, “Don’t worry, I’ll find you another seat.” He helped us settle down again.
As always, Mother scolded me for the mix-up — she even ate her breakfast alone, continuing her lecture. But I remained calm, following the practice of Mettā (loving-kindness).
Finally, we reached Nawalapitiya safely and went to my sister’s home — a little tired, but wiser.
That day we learned a simple yet valuable lesson:

A Journey of Faith and Family
The sharp keech-keech of a motorbike horn broke the calm of the dispensary. Smiling, the doctor remarked how even the postman’s bell had changed with time. Life indeed was changing—servants on mobile phones, letters replaced by calls, and habits quietly transformed.
Among the letters delivered that morning was one addressed to Dr. Malanee Kodituwakku—a gentle reminder from Somawathie Temple about the annual pilgrimage on November 16 and 17. That single letter set everything in motion.
As always, Malanee took the lead. Phone calls were made, names discussed, excuses heard, and confirmations gathered. Though many were unable to join due to illness, work, or family duties, a small but devoted group slowly formed. Rasu, the faithful servant of many years, quietly prepared everything—from cooking utensils to food supplies—working not as a helper, but as a family member.
Before dawn, the house at Kalagedihena came alive. Rice was cooked, sambol prepared, bags packed, and prayers whispered. By 4.30 a.m., the bus rolled out—filled with devotion, chatter, Bana sermons, laughter, and quiet naps. The journey included worship at Seruwila Temple, shared meals under unexpected rain, small kindnesses along the way, and warm hospitality.
Reaching Somawathie Temple on time, the group settled in. As tradition demanded, the women cleaned the temple premises, the evening Gilanpasa Pooja was offered with devotion, and tired bodies found rest in simple rooms. Before sunrise the next day, Malanee was again at the temple—service before comfort, always.
The main Buddha Pooja concluded peacefully. Heavy rain followed their departure, as if blessing the journey. Lunch at Minneriya Army Restaurant, sponsored lovingly by family, brought the pilgrimage to a joyful close.
They returned home by night—tired, grateful, and content. More than a trip, it was a reminder: faith grows stronger when shared, and memories made together remain forever.

“This is a proud and memorable moment for our whole family. Our elder son, Dr. Kemiya, a Dental Surgeon, has been awarded a prestigious UK Government Scholarship to pursue his MSc in Health Economics at the London School of Economics (LSE).
In the first photo, Kemiya is standing proudly with his scholarship, a symbol of his dedication and hard work. In the second, we see the warmth of home: his loving wife Nimna and their little daughter Aselee enjoying precious moments together before his departure.
As parents, we are overjoyed and blessed to witness this achievement. His brothers, Harindu and Mevan, stand beside him with pride, along with their wives Yasasi and Dinithi, who all share in the happiness of this success.
This moment is not only about one person’s academic journey, but about the strength, love, and support of the entire family that surrounds him. It is a celebration of unity, love, and hope for a brighter future.”**