“To lead people for Justice”
“Be accountable to God’s love”
Caritas Sri Lanka – SEDEC with deep regret and sorrow announces the demise of its Senior Programme Manager and dear colleague Mr. K. Theivendirarajah on 5th August 2020, at his hometown in Batticoloa.
Mr. Theivendirarajah (fondly known as ‘Theiva’) joined the Caritas organization in 1977 and served in Caritas EHED Batticoloa till 1991 and was absorbed in to Caritas National Centre at Kynsey Road, Colombo where he rendered a yeomen service until June 2020.
Remembering some of the exemplary services he rendered especially during the greatest calamities faced by the Sri Lankan Nation include the Batticaloa Cyclone in 1978, the 2004 Tsunami, the pre and post war period during which Caritas Sri Lanka spearheaded relief, rehabilitation and reconstruction activities for the thousands of displaced families. He was also involved in the peace and reconciliation activities.
His early education under the Jesuits and after completing A’ Levels, he studied for his Masters. Serving a social development organization like Caritas, he had the capacity to develop projects, experienced in implementing, monitoring and preparing reports that were appreciated by the donors. In recognition of this work, he was awarded an honorary Ph.D.
Adhering to the Caritas’ vision and mission, Mr. Theiva stood for all the values of justice, love and charity promoted through example and kept the Caritas flag on high. He was a patient listener and with his long experience, always gave good advice and guidance to those who worked with him. Being a very kind and tender hearted person with his unmistakable smile, he became a good mediator, teacher and trainer and thereby elevated the image of Caritas.
During the recent COVID-19 pandemic, Mr. Theiva sacrificed the valuable time to be with his family members in Batticaloa and remained at SEDEC from March to June 2020 to garner support to those affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns and restrictions, especially to the poor and vulnerable women and women-headed families, the sick and to the care givers at the grassroots level that will remain in the hearts of all members and beneficiaries of the Caritas Sri Lanka network.
His 40 yearlong dedication and service to the organization was appreciated not only by the Directors and staff of the Caritas network but also by the respective Bishops of the Church Dioceses around the island and foreign partners of the Caritas worldwide Federation. The relationships established by Mr. Theiva with all those who came into to contact with him both officially and personally, are exceptional and was a role model to his friends and colleagues.
While thanking profusely and appreciating everything that Mr. Theiva left us with, we all in the Caritas family wish him a pleasant journey and may his soul rest in peace.
