SOMACHANDRA MUTUKUDA ARACHCHIGE

​Somachandra is one of four boys born to Koranalis Mutukuda Arachchige and Ranmenika Wijenayake on June 2, 1950 in the town of Barigoda, Sri Lanka. He studied at the Kuliyapitiya Central College before being accepted to the Faculty of Engineering at the University of Peradeniya in January 1972. His batchmates describe him as a passionate sports enthusiast who loved playing basketball, cricket, and football.

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He fell in love with a woman named Indra Witanachchi and they continued seeing each other as he began his professional life as a Civil Engineer in the Mahaweli System "H" Area. Indra's family adored Somachandra and have many memories of him as a gentle giant. He married Indra in Matale in 1979. Soon after, he joined the Department of Irrigation in 1983. Somachandra became a father to his son, Omesh, in January 1985. After years of dedicated service in Sri Lanka, he moved with his family to Canada. Over the years, he's lived and worked in St. Catharines, London, Tsukuba, Windsor, Houston, Toronto, and Richmond Hill, before retiring.

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During his years in Canada, he made many sacrifices to ensure his family was provided for while navigating a completely new world from what he had known. He put a special emphasis on ensuring his son had a good education and taught him everything he knew to take on the world. He was able to see his son get married to his daughter-in-law, Angelin Soosaipillai, and became a Seeya (Grandpa) to his grand-daughter, Maya.

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In 2012, after facing a serious heart condition, he gradually withdrew from social life, dedicating himself to spirituality and Buddhism. In his later years, he experienced further health challenges and he faced them with strength and resilience. As he had been for most of his life, he refused to allow anyone but himself to carry the weight of these challenges. In his last residence, he made friendships with neighbours and community who he enjoyed spending time with and helping where possible (especially gardening). Following a prolonged illness, he spent his final days at Michael Garron Hospital, where he peacefully passed away on February 27, 2025 at the age of 74.

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Somachandra was a selfless, kind, and generous man who touched the lives of a few, but in profound ways. His legacy will forever be cherished in our hearts, while his quiet kindness and warmth will never be forgotten. Though he is no longer with us, his memory will forever remain in our hearts. He leaves behind his wife, son, brother, daughter-in-law, and grand-daughter.

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May he exit from samsara and finally attain the state of enlightenment in nirvana.​​