Twas time for the Rodrigo's to meet, and this time, I thought I'd take my camera along. The family has a long history. In 1838, the head of the family, Johannes Rodrigo, founded the Rodrigo-Family Friend-in-Need Society. Currently in its 184th year, it is one of the oldest registered societies in Sri Lanka. The society engages in various charitable deeds, offers books and scholarships to those engaged in their educational activities, and has a general meeting twice a year.
Proceedings kick off early morning (8:45 this time) at the Rodrigo Burial Grounds. as is normally the case, the chief incumbent of the Panadura Ran Koth Viharaya comes and delivers a sermon and conducts a blessing. Rather gloomy sermon this year, on waste and death. Maybe subjects weighing on the loku hamuduruwo's mind. The younger Rodrigo's then receive tokens for books, part of the educational initiatives. The proceedings then shift over the the Maha Seeya's house in Naluruwa (The former residence of Johannes Rodrigo), where the meeting is held, books and scholarships are distributed, generally a speech is made by a guest speaker, and then we break for lunch. This signals the close of proceedings.
I didn't pull out the cam during the meeting, but took a few pics of the Burial Grounds and the gathering. Sorta a tribute to the history of the family.
Monument erected in memory of Johannes Rodrigo. His brothers lie next to him. 4 of them, I believe.
Headstone on the grave of Johannes Rodrigo aka Maha Seeya, founder president of the Rodrigo Family Friend in Need Society.
Monument where the ashes of John Rodrigo, my great grandfather are interred. Also the ashes of Wilmot Rodrigo, my grandfather. Should also include my ashes, come time for me to go to my final rest.
Inscription on the monument to John Rodrigo and his wife.
Inscription in memory of my grandfather.
Grave of Patrick and Chitrangani Rodrigo.
Other monuments erected in memory of Rodrigos long gone from among us.
Rodrigos at the burial grounds, just after the sermon.
Just before leaving the burial grounds. Thats my mother on the left. My father in front of her, leaning over a little, next to Uncle Drupatha in the white shirt.
Meeting underway back at Naluruwa. Took this pic with my phone, hence the quality. The Head table, consisting of Devasiri Mama (Vice Pres) on the left, my father (also VP), Mala Nanda (Pres) and Sepalika Nanda (Sec).
