Remembering my father
Thank you all for coming here today. For those that don’t know me, my name is Upeka, and I am Upali’s (or Uppi as we called him) daughter.
Upali Ganganath Bulumulle leaves behind a loving wife, Rakni, and three children, Anushi, Arjuna and myself. Our partners, Ram, Niluka and Dilan. A beautiful granddaughter Amaya. Two brothers, Gamini and Agbo, and a sister, Nishanthi. And many more family and friends.
On behalf of my family, I would like to thank all the doctors, nurses, administrators that have helped our family over the years. Thank you to all our family that have come here today and reached out with kind words of support. Thank you to our spouses and partners, Ram, Niluka and Dilan for hugs, holding space for us and making us stronger during this time. Thank you Gamini bappa, Aunty Anoja and Senal.
Uppi was born in Kandy, Sri Lanka, to my grandparents who were teachers. He graduated from University of Peradeniya, Sri Lanka, and then received a full scholarship to Imperial College, London for a Masters degree. After graduation he specialized in hydroelectric power stations at the Central Engineering Consultancy Bureau, Sri Lanka (CECB). These projects brought affordable hydro-power to hundreds of thousands of people. He then went on to be an entrepreneur handling large construction and real estate projects for both government and private organizations. He is a past president of the Organization of Professional Associations (OPA), Sri Lanka.
Uppi was brilliant and hardworking. He achieved so much in his life. He was an engineer, entrepreneur, a leader and an inspiration to us all. He was one of the best of his generation, in his home country of Sri Lanka.
Uppi was also kind. He helped so many people throughout his life. He lovingly cared of his parents, siblings and children. He was the north star to so many of us in this family. He was also funny, silly and affectionate. He leaves us with countless, beautiful memories of both joy and warmth.
To my mother (Ammi) and siblings, I am so proud and grateful to be your daughter and sister. We have been on a journey. It was hard and it was joyous. We did our very best for Uppi and he is at peace. It was an act of love. This is a new chapter now and Uppi wants to see us move forward.
To my dearest Uppi,
We love you so much. Thank you for everything you did for us. You gave us more than any other. You made us all strong and kind and hardworking. Your legacy lives on in us.
With all our love.
