It is with heavy heart, I report the passing of our longtime friend, batch mate , fellow Jeevakite, and a great human being Siri Kannangara. He succumbed to a sudden illness yesterday, while on vacation in Middle East. More details to follow when available. May he attain the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana

We offer our condolences to the Kannangara family.

Sam

Update from Nisantha:

Hello everyone,

It is with great sadness that I announce The passing of my dear friend , our batch mate and colleague Siri Kannangara. He and his wife were on tour of Egypt. In Aswan Siri had developed abdominal pain and severe vomiting. He apparently had diagnosed his condition as bowel obstruction and wanted to return to Sydney. In transit his condition  had deteriorated considerably and he had to undergo surgery in Dubai. The bowel had   become necrotic extensively, surgery could not be performed. He had gone into septic shock and had succumbed to the illness.

I thought as physicians, we should know the reason for his sad untimely demise.

Siri left Sri Lanka soon after his internship, along with his wife , to New Zealand. After a few years in New Zealand he proceeded to The UK for  post  graduate studies.  He did Rheumatology. Instead of returning to New Zealand he decided to go to Sydney Australia.

Siri arrived in Sydney with his wife and two daughters , with no job lined up. I do remember him telling me how he accidentally struck up a conversation with a senior Rheumatologist who offered him a job on the spot. The two of them continued to practice Rheumatology in Sydney. Siri also told me that the senior Rheumatologist was like his long lost brother.

Siri’s expertise in Rheumatology, his patient care , rapport with his colleagues spread far and wide. His services were recognized by the Australian sports teams. Siri was the physician for the Australian soccer team, cricket team and athletic teams. He accompanied these teams to the World Cup soccer, Cricket , and the Olympics. When the Olympics were held in Sydney Siri was selected as one of the individuals who carried the Olympic Torch.

Siri devoted Saturday morning to  treat  the Sri Lankan community located away from Sydney free of charge. These individuals paid Siri back by providing Sri Lankan delicacies. This was despite his requests not to do so.

The Australian government recognized Siri’s services as a physician , his services to the community and the sports teams . He is one of the few Sri Lankans who received the government honor. “The order  Of Australia “.

Death is inevitable, and we all know that. However when death occurs with no prior warning it difficult to accept.

Piching and I convey our heartfelt condolences to his wife Nishi, his daughters Kishani , Shamila and Ayesha and all their loved ones

With love and fondest regards.

Nisantha and Piching

Images below were shared by Chandrika and Deepthie