POEM: The Love that Raised Me

My Loving Parents

Dedicated to my parents Dr Rangith George Kariyawasam and Mrs. Hemantha Kariyawasam on their wedding anniversary.

My dear parents,

Before I knew the shape of words,

you taught me how to feel,

how kindness speaks in quiet ways,

how love makes duty real.

My father, like a proud lion,

a guiding light, a prayer,

a strength that never needs to boast,

because true strength is care.

My mother, like a sacred lotus,

a goddess in my heart,

whose tenderness became my shield,

whose wisdom shaped my start.

You taught me right from wrong with grace,

respect without demand,

humility in every step,

and honour as a man.

You sacrificed your rest and sleep,

through hardship, strain and pain,

to keep me safe and nourished well,

through sunshine, storm and rain.

You shielded me from every harm,

with love that would not cease,

and gave me shelter, strength and care,

so I could grow in peace.

Through every storm and troubled hour,

your love has helped me stand,

with soothing words and healing strength,

and wisdom in your hands.

The sage advice you gifted me

still lights the path I see,

a treasure given from your hearts,

bestowed so lovingly.

In my reflection, I see your gentle traits,

your courage, hope and art,

your patience in my way of life,

your goodness in my heart.

Your purity of heart still shines,

with quiet, sacred grace,

a blessing I can always feel

in every time and place.

The world holds you in high regard,

as I have always known,

for every life you touch with love

is brighter than before.

Wherever we may be in life,

whatever paths we find,

you will be in my heart always,

and forever in my mind.

My love for you is eternal,

it never will diminish,

but only grow more deep and strong,

beyond all earthly limits.

I am forever in your debt,

for all you gave to me,

and every day I humbly pray

more like you I may be.

And every day my reverence grows,

with gratitude so deep,

I worship you within my prayers,

in waking and in my sleep.

My first teachers, my great blessings,

my roots, my sky, my guide,

whatever good I carry now

began with you inside.

Adisha Kariyawasam 

30 April 2026

Poem: My Mother, My Sacred Blessing

My Mother, My Sacred Blessing

Dedicated to my ever-loving mother Hemantha Kariyawasam 

My dear amma*,

Before I knew the ways of the world,

you taught my heart to feel,

how kindness lives in gentle hands,

how love makes healing real.

My mother, like a sacred lotus,

a goddess in my heart,

your tenderness became my shield,

your wisdom shaped my start.

For nine first months of fragile life,

you nourished me with care,

with your own milk, your warmth, your love,

and every whispered prayer.

You taught me right from wrong with grace,

respect without demand,

humility in every step,

and how with truth to stand.

You sacrificed your rest and sleep,

through hardship, strain and pain,

to keep me safe and nourished well,

through sunshine, storm and rain.

You shielded me from every harm,

with love that would not cease,

and gave me shelter, strength and care,

so I could grow in peace.

Through every storm and troubled hour,

your love has helped me stand,

with soothing words and healing strength,

and wisdom in your hands.

The advice you gifted into me

still lights the path I see,

a treasure from your sacred heart,

bestowed so lovingly.

In me, I see your gentle traits,

your patience, hope and art,

your purity of thought and deed,

your goodness in my heart.

Your purity of heart still shines,

with quiet, sacred grace,

a blessing I can always feel

in every time and place.

The world holds you in high regard,

as I have always known,

for every life you touch with love

is brighter than before.

Wherever we may be in life,

whatever paths we find,

you will be in my heart always,

forever in my mind.

My love for you is eternal,

it never will diminish,

but only grow more deep and strong,

beyond all earthly limits.

I am forever in your debt,

for all you gave to me,

and every day I humbly pray

more like you I may be.

And every day my reverence grows,

with gratitude so deep,

I worship you within my prayers,

in waking and in my sleep.

My first teacher, sacred mother,

my blessing, light and guide,

whatever good I carry now

began with you inside.

On your birthday, dearest mother,

I honour all you are,

my goddess, my protector,

my everlasting star.

Adisha Kariyawasam 

30th April 2026

*Footnote: Amma means mother in the language of Sinhala