“We do not know whether the police officers would be sentenced or acquitted, that is up to God but I am happy to see Lalith alive and active. "- ElarisBy Fr Nandana Manatunga
(April 14, Kandy, Sri Lanka Guardian) It is with great sorrow that we announce to you the demise of Elaris Alwis, the dearly beloved grandfather of Lalith Rajapakse, the Torture victim. He was called to the heavenly birth on the 14th April 2010.
Elaris was sick and was almost paralysed since 2008 January as he neglected his own health.
Elaris Alwis was the second witness in the Torture case of Lalith Rajapakse. He was a real loving grandfather who stood by Lalith as a source and support. His clear, resonant voice was encouraging and inspiring, if not for discreet action of Elaris Alwis, Lalith would have not probably survived the Torture and the inhuman degrading treatment and Punishment at the Kadana police station in 2002. Lalith was unconscious for 02 weeks after the brutal Torture at the Kandana police.
It was Elaris Alwis who discovered Lalith lying on the floor of the police cell.. Fearing that Lalith was dead Elaris cried out " They have killed him ". Alaris did his best to save Lalith's life and thereafter to fight for Justice against the two police officers who Tortured Lalith.He dutifully and consciously carried out the task entrusted to him as the guardian of Lalith.
Elaris was a brave and had a strikingly a strong personality He was impressive physically and mentally and yet he was loved, for deep within he was mild, generous and compassionate. He was clear and was to the point when he was called to give evidence at the Negambo High court. Even during the cross examination Elaris never wavered. He was honest even though poor. He never gave in to money of the powerful who came behind him offering huge somes to settle the Torture case of Lalith Rajapakse outside the court.
Elaris was always behind Lalith and he always wanted Lalith to be healed and transformed. It was his dream that Lalith would get employed and live a fuller human life. Once at an interview Elaris said " We do not know whether the police officers would be sentenced or acquitted, that is up to God but I am happy to see Lalith alive and active. I am always in debt to Mr Basil Fernando, Fr Ried and Fr Nandana for taking care of Lalith".
Elaris last came to Kandy in 2009 October for the matrimonial ceremony of Lalith and Sandamali. He stayed overnight and was so pleased to see so many around him.
Elaris Alwis was awarded for fearlessly championing for the just cause and for his admirable qualities in 2007 December, by Bishop Vianney Fernando at the Human Rights Award Ceremony in Kandy along with Anthoni Savarimuttu the late loving grandfather of Jesudasn Rita. It was a tribute the this great personalities.
Lalith has lost his loving grandfather and we have lost another great Human Right activist. May he rest in Peace
The burial will take place on the 15th at 4.00 p.m. at Ja-ela Roman Catholic cemetery.
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