Vinitha Mallika Abeykoon

Mallika madam's motherly nature was always strengthen me throughout my LOLC journey.She was an exceptional,rare leader in word and deed who earned respect and love effortlessly because of her passion for work and unbounded care for staff.
May she attain supreme bliss of nibbana!

She was called Mallika Madam ...! which brings a memory of motherly Love and care, Her mind was so young and innovative, lead us to think positive in every time .
Love you forever ..Rest in Peace Dear Madam.

she was a excellent character. though i haven't talked to her , I have seen her and watched her enthusiasm with twinkling eyes.

May she attain the nivana.....

Rest in Peace MADAM...

Dear Mom, I didn't get a chance to work with you for a long time. You visited my branch to say good bye. First time i met you on that day.
I have heard many good things about you. You are a great person to miss.
RIP!

She was my second mother, i learned a lot from her for my life. rest in peace mom

Best ever person I have met in LOLC Family. ✍
Missed you so much!! 👁‍🗨💔

My wife and I had the pleasure of seeing Mallika again after quite some time on the 19th. Though she appeared feeble, her spirits remained high as we have known her. We sat across each other at her dining table, and heartily reminisced about our time working together in Nigeria. Our conversation drifted from work to family to politics—topics Mallika always had strong opinions on. It never crossed my mind that she would be taken from us so soon. The news of her passing on the 25th came as a shock to us.

I have known Mallika from the time I joined LOLC in 2003. Though our team’s files were rarely reviewed by her, there was always a sense of anxiety when she did. Mallika was known to be strict with the files - what needed to be done had to be done- no excuses accepted. Over time, we came to understand that her strictness was from a deep commitment to LOLC and a genuine concern for our best interests.

Mallika was more than just a colleague; she was a mother figure to many of us. She often called us "Putha," offering guidance with phrases like, "Putha, this can be done," or "Putha, do it this way." When we approached her with problems, she didn’t just provide solutions—she took the time to ensure they were reasonable and fair, a quality for which we remain deeply grateful.

Though she was a strict disciplinarian, Mallika knew how to enjoy life. She was actively involved in organising LOLC events and took immense pleasure in seeing others enjoy themselves. I can vividly recall her waltzing onto the dance floor at many LOLC dances. She sang, she danced, and she had a unique sense of humour.

In 2019, Mallika was part of the LOLC team that travelled to Nigeria. Tyrone, Nishan, and I are especially grateful for her presence on that foray. Despite her age and the challenges that came with being in a new and demanding environment, she embraced the adventure wholeheartedly. Her care and attention helped us settle and made the initial difficulties more bearable.

She was much loved by the Nigerian team. And everyone addressed her as mama Mallika. She endeared herself to the staff so much that her “send forth” in October 2019 was emotional and heartwarming.

We will miss Mallika for her warmth, wisdom, generosity and her unwavering commitment to everything she undertook. Her legacy will continue to inspire us.

Rest in peace, Mallika. You were not just a colleague; you were family.

Mallika was more than a friend to me , she was family , she was like another mother ..

Our friendship began when she and I travelled to Japan together for an Orix meeting over 30 years ago , and since then it has continuously grown stronger, even though I left LOLC after serving there for about 15 years . Despite not meeting daily , we kept in constant touch with each other .

In our more recent conversations , she confided in me her desire to ‘ go in dignity’ , she hated and feared the thought of being unwell to the point of being dependent on others . Thus , though I’m sad she is no more , I draw solace from the fact that she got the end she so desired.

I know during her time on earth she had such a positive impact on so many people - her kindness, generosity and desire to lend a helping hand to those who needed it was amazing and will always remain an inspiration to so many of us.

Mallika , you will always have a very special place in my heart . I miss you greatly , yet I know you are at peace .

Rest well , my dear friend ❤️

We miss you Dear Aunty Mallika 🙏
A beautiful kind lady , caring and always putting others first .
You showed love and kindness to everyone. Ever ready to help anyone in need .
Such qualities are rare and was your strength .
May you attain the bliss of Nibbana 🙏🙏🙏

Mallika Ammamma was such an amazing person and we will miss her dearly. She touched the hearts of everyone she met and was such a caring person in all aspects. She would always step up to help everyone and was always looking out for everyone's wellbeing. We often talk about how strong she is, and an inspiration to everyone. She was the glue of our family and took every effort to make sure that everyone stayed in touch and would make it a point to be there and this was a priority for her. Too many good qualities to list, but a true inspiration. Mallika Ammamma is the reason that most of us are so close despite of being so far apart. Every time we would visit and call her and ask what a convenient way is to meet her, her answer always was "you don't worry putha, you are busy and here for a short time. We will see you", and she always did. When we were little, we used to go to Bandarawella for the holidays, one of the best memories I have of Bandarawella and the happiest times i recall is when the Abeykoons were going to visit. All the trips we took, Katharagama, Nuwara Eliya, the Beaches and even whenever at a family gathering, Mallika Ammamma made it a point to make sure that everyone was connected and made it a priority to be there. When I first moved to the US, she made it a point to call me regularly and check up on how I was adjusting. When we were looking to book a holiday, she would go above and beyond to find the best place and also see how we all meet up. When we were going through the Tsunami and looking for Salika mama, she was the first to hop in the car with Me, Appachchi and Samitha Punchi, and we walked all over the coast and she slept in the car and the Kosgoda hospital looking for him. Mallika Ammamma is such a strong person, raising 3 boys to be the fine men they are today, while having an extremely successful career (we know how dedicated and committed she was to LOLC) and ensuring that she made time for family and friends despite of what else was going on. We are truly heart broken but her legacy will live on. Love you Mallika Ammamma
Naren, Buddhinie and Eesha

It is hard to imagine our family without dear Mallika Nenda. She was an amazing lady, and everyone who knew her, will vouch for that. From being wonderful wife, to a beloved mother who raised her three sons with so much love, to being such a respected lady at LOLC and helping one and all who came to her with problems, she did it all and straight from her loving heart. From the day I joined the family, she treated me as one of her own, asking me to let her know of any way she can help with our wedding, including
offering to help with a wedding venue, through her various contacts and it never stopped from there throughout the years. We got closer when she visited us in Canada and I'm so glad Hemantha and I were able to take her around and spend quality time with her. Dear Mallika Nenda... You will be missed so much! May your sansaric journey be short and may you attain the Supreme bliss of Nibbana!
Nimalie Abeyratne

At my 25th anniversary mass on 10th February 2024. This was our last meeting. She made sure to attend it having cut short a trip with some former buddies of LOLC. May her beautiful and generous soul rest in peace!

May she attain Supreme bliss of Nibbhana 💐🙏

For over 40 years I have been friends with Mallika and I can undoubtedly say I am a better person for knowing her. She was honest, loyal and gave the very best of herself to any task that she undertook. Kindness was woven into the fabric of her being and, as a result every one that interacted with Mallika left feeling better than when they arrived. Love you and miss you Malliks, rest in eternal peace

I was privileged to have met not only Mallika but her husband Ruwan and at that time her two sons Chaminda and Kusal. We met across the Indian Ocean in Uganda, East Africa in 1985 where Ruwan was based on a project in the North of Uganda. We always kept in touch since then and remained friends until her passing away. Mallika was a very caring lady, a true wife and mother not just to her boys but to our children too. Then along came Chalinda who we got to meet too. When our daughter Tanya was only about 15 months old, we visited Mallika in their family home in Masaka, Uganda. We will never forget how she organised a Dr. at very short notice in the middle of the night to see to our daughter who was suffering with malaria at the time. We last met Mallika about 8 years ago in Sri Lanka. At very short notice she organised a priest to perform our daughter’s wedding ceremony there.
Whenever Mallika walked into a room she brought rays of sunshine. She nurtured our daughter who worked in Sri Lanka and we felt reassured that she was well looked after. The love Mallika showered onto our entire family was overwhelming. When we heard that she departed it brought tears to my eyes. If only I could hear her voice again and feel her presence but I know that her spirit is with us all. We were honoured that she visited our home in the UK with Chaminda and recently her son Chalinda also visited us. We hope and pray that they will continue to keep in touch with us.
We pray for Mallika to rest in peace and ask for her family to be comforted with fond memories of times spent together. Mallika was very family orientated and I pray that her children will follow in her footsteps and be there for each other. I will miss you so much Mallika and I will never forget you. You Will always remain in my heart. You were a very hard working dedicated lady, humble, sincere,caring, generous and you brought joy to all who were around you, Till we meet again my dearest sister and friend. Our daughters Tanya and Natasha will never forget their dear Aunty Mallika.
Bless you
Howard and Kaline.xxx

Dear Punchi,

You were like a second mother to me. The turning point in my life came when you moved me from Kandy to Colombo and encouraged me to join Air Lanka. Although you were blessed with three sons, you treated me as if I were your own daughter. Your guidance and support had a profound impact on my life and played a significant role in shaping my future. Your loving memory will remain with me always.

May you attain the supreme bliss of Nirvana.

My dearest Malli, (as I fondly address you)
Never imagined to be writing this for you. My heart is heavy but at the same time filled with a lot of love and precious memories I had the privilege of sharing with you over the years. My thoughts go back to the 1980s when we first met at Ceramics building or Lakshman’s building then LOLC). I will always remember you as a workaholic, your dedication and passion for work has always been a highlight. You would have file after file on your desk to be completed- the only time you would stop is to devour your cup of tea, sip by sip, ounce by ounce until you are ready to get buried under another pile of documents. You were the most caring mother, I would have no words to describe your strength and determination and how you overcame all obstacles life threw at you. You raised 3 wonderful boys, it’ll be an understatement to say that their personalities and qualities reflect yours.
We continued to keep in touch even after LOLC. We always knew what was going on in each others’ lives. Rohan and Ruhani will always hold fond memories they had with you be it work trips, get togethers or occasional home visits.
My loving Malli, I hope you find eternal peace wherever you are. I can’t thank the almighty enough for giving us the opportunity to cross paths. Thank you for all the loving memories. And above all for always being a sister figure to me. I knew I could always speak to you no matter what.
I hope we meet again soon. Until then, take care my friend, and rest easy ❤️(pic - on a LOLC trip with Ruhani and Chalinda)

There is so much to share and reminisce when it comes to Mallika Aththammi (as I affectionately called her). First I will echo what others have said. She was such a loving and caring figure in our family and was always wanting to go that extra mile to help in whatever way possible.
Personally, she was such a pivotal figure during my childhood. Bunty (Chalinda) was the closest thing I had to a brother growing up. I remember the excitement I had whenever they visited or when she would arrange for us to go on trips using her contacts at LOLC. I will always cherish those memories. She brought so much joy to everyone around her and that's what I'll always remember her by.
Even for my wedding, since she couldn't attend she had asked Ammi if we'd be able to do a webcast so she can watch.
While she is definitely gone too soon, she accomplished alot during her life of which I think the biggest testament are her 3 amazing children. I'm grateful for her presence in my life and I pray she attains the supreme bliss of nibbana.

Fondly known as “Mallika nenda”, was a women with a kind heart and a strong mind. We all know how well she carried out her professional duties but outside this she was a beautiful person and a good mother. She was very helpful and the first to look into family matters. I was very much looking forward to seeing her, but sadly she left us too soon. Family was very important to her as she would always end our chats with the words “take care putha and look after your family”. Mallika nenda, thank you for all the wonderful memories.

It's hard to imagine our families most loved Nanda is no longer with us. It's too short for her to to leave this world. I have so much memories which I can write for many days.
I think everyone will 100% agree that she was the most ennergitic, hardworking, kind, courageous lady in our family circle. She had the answer to any issues we have and will not think twice to come forward to help anyone no matter what time of the day.
I had a very good connection with her as I was her handy man or handy nephew ! Since Mama had lot of tools I did not hesitate a bit, thank you for the opportunity.
Some of my most memorable stories.
I wanted this watch which has a crystal glass hard to scratch and self winding. Hard for me to afford at that time as a trainee apprentice. Mallika Nanda bought this watch for me from Sri Lanka's first duty free shop in Kolpity. It was Rs 750, bit of an expensive item at that time. (Photo). So generous of her and I still cherish this, working so well not serviced at all, and accurate time.
Then, she did so much help organizing my weeding and home coming. .Also not forgetting all the prayers, pooja you did for Nimeshi for her recovery.
I was also the family driving instructor and Mallika Nanda was the hardest learner driver I had to teach. So many instances I was summoned to rescue the car or unable to reverse from the parking lot ! but her never give up attitude, she mastered it ultimately.
The list goes on and on.
We love you so much Mallika Nanda. You will be in our heart for ever.
May you attend supreme Nirvana.
Sidath and Thamara