Mother of Saara nilla Founder – Thusitha Jayasundera

She used to walk through the gates of Saara Nilla, like sunshine, always. Her aura just shone, and we were happy to bask in it. She used to greet us all with a warm and kind smile. The volunteers and guests at Saara Nilla didn’t only see her as founder Thusitha Jayasundera’s mother, but a mother figure to us all. The mother of Saara Nilla.

This is why, when the sudden news of her passing came, it hit us hard. We will not only miss her smile and her kind presence, but also how lovingly she interacted with the kids who frequent the Saara Nilla reading room.

It took a while for us to gather the words to say goodbye to a powerhouse like Mrs. Usha Jayasundera, and in Thusitha’s own words about her mom’s influence on her journey— “[My mother] was the beginning of books and plants and good food in our lives”. A mother’s huge role in impacting her children with the drive to do better and dream bigger—to create a better world for all—is clear in how Thusitha leads us all, with so much heart and passion.

We’re ever so thankful to Mrs. Usha Jayasundera for the immeasurable role she played in bringing Thusitha’s and her late brother Hiran’s vision to life.

Saara Nilla Manager Thusi Dombagammana said: “Aunty Usha just had a way of showing us how powerful a simple smile and a little kindness can be—no matter the event, she lit up the room and made everyone feel like they belonged.”

Our Librarian Anuri de Silva shared the following thoughts: “Aunty Usha was an adorable, loving mum not only for her own, but to all the children around her. She never failed to visit SN on all of those special days: SN launch, open day, Avurudu event, and not forgetting to bring yummy goodies along for the kids, which they enjoyed with delight. She was very much looking forward to reading to the kids flocking around her. It was truly a pleasure knowing such a wonderful mum, and I will always cherish the little meetings I had with her.”

Kanchana Weerakoon, our permaculturalist, said: “I got to know Mrs. Usha through Saara Nilla when she came to the opening of the kitchen and the garden. That day I saw the happiness on her face about Thusitha and her mission toward nature. I am sure she lived as a satisfied mom because of Saara Nilla, and I always believe that is the best gift a daughter or a son can give to their parent. She must have collected great merit, and thanks to her, we have Thusitha as a daughter who cares about Mother Nature. Saara Nilla was blessed with Mrs. Usha’s touch, breath, and her few visits during her life journey.”

The heart of the Saara Nilla kitchen, Suramya Hettiarachchi, shared these words: “While King Arthur of the elusive Camelot had the Lady in the Lake to guide him, we at Saara Nilla had Aunty Usha—the Lady with Cake to treat us. Her gentle smiles and soft touches juxtaposed with her will of steel that ignored all protestations for extra treats. We bemoaned every time she brought treats, for it was both too yum in the tum and a guilty extravagance. Her joy was to see happy smiles, sticky sugary fingers, and joy in the sea of twinkling faces. ‘Eat just a bit,’ she said when I met her last. ‘I can’t eat, so eat for me.’ I am glad I did, for she nodded knowingly and said with a cheeky grin, ‘It’s good, isn’t it?’ It was. I learned never to underestimate the Lady with the Cake. She knew it all.”

Dear Mrs. Usha Jayasundera, every time we visit Saar nilla, we still feel your presence – loving and protecting us. We will always carry you in our hearts, and your memory will live on through Saara nilla. May you attain the supreme bliss of Nibbana. May you rest in peace. We will always hold you in a very special place in our hearts, and thank you so very much—for all you did for us.

With all our love,

Team Saara Nilla – 05. 09. 2024.