Noelnadesan's Blog

A few years back, I connected with Kala Sriranjan on Facebook, and we’ve maintained contact since then. I met her again in London two years ago with my wife, Shiamala. During that meeting, she connected with Shiamala. While in London, she spoke with some people and donated to a cancer foundation. Later, I added her to our cancer foundation group.

She told me gradually her cancer situation and discussed her treatment too. I will ask Shiamala to talk to her.

 Sometimes, when I answer the phone, she is in the treatment room and discusses her pet dog with me.

I remember when she was going to see her father in Sri Lanka, she discussed leaving the pet with others.

I invited her to join my book review on Zoom and also encouraged her to write more. I felt pleased when she opened up about her struggles with cancer.

Last year, children’s book author Shoba Perris, who writes in Sinhala, aimed to publish her new book in three languages, including Tamil. She asked me to translate it, but I reached out to Kala, who gladly accepted the task. The book also won an award from the Sri Lankan government.

 Kala and Shoba developed a very close friendship. Shoba often speaks about Kala as a wonderful person. I was happy to see their friendship grow.

I reached out to Kala four months ago, and she shared that she is receiving treatment for nerve pain from chemotherapy. I recommended acupuncture and then handed the phone to Shiamala, who can speak. I heard they were discussing herbs and diet.

 I knew Kala had an unstoppable spirit, battled through her illness, and travelled to numerous countries. 

 I travelled for two months and didn’t see any updates from Kala on Facebook. When I returned home, I reached out to her, but she was unavailable. I didn’t want to pressure her, but a few days later, I woke up to a message on WhatsApp.

I received her reply, saying she is undergoing treatment for her throat and cannot speak. She also mentioned she will keep me updated on her progress. I felt sad but believed she would recover, so I shared the news with Shoba Perris.

A few days ago, I met Shoba at the event. She mentioned that Kala also sent me a message.

I believe Kala would recover soon. Her passing news was shocking, but she lived fully and openly discussed her cancer, which is rare in our community. She demonstrated how to confront and coexist with the disease. Moreover, she displayed admirable qualities, like valuing everyone involved in her treatment during that time.

Kala Sri Ranjan was a truly remarkable woman who touched the hearts of many during her lifetime. She will also be remembered by those who never met her.

My condolences to her children, who had a mother who served as an example for many others.