I came to know Stanley Kirinde during our conversations connected with the painting of the Mural at the Anglican Cathedral in Colombo. When Nirmali Wickremasinghe and I first met with him to discuss the assignment, he showed immediate interest in the concept with little regard for the transaction.

The mural was meant to commemorate the Ordination of the first three women to the Priesthood in the (Anglican) Church of Ceylon and we thought that the story of the miracle of the turning of the water into wine in S. John’s Gospel would most appropriately depict this historic event.

Stanley began his task by reading the narrative in several translations and requested more information and background material on the story. He was excited and thorough.

The fruit of his labour is now a fascinating Sri Lankan interpretation of this story spread over the walls of the Lady Chapel. Here we have both a Sri Lankan and inclusive Christ as well as a Sri Lankan and inclusive Mother. The mural depicts social harmony through a marrying of the communities. As one reflects further the message of peace and harmony is sensed and the challenge to cross boundaries encountered. It is precisely relevant for family life, Community life and National life.

As a person Stanley was one of the most unassuming and humble human beings that I have met. In-spite of his outstanding reputation as an artist, he was always ready to learn and even make modifications through dialogue. When with him, I often felt that I was in the presence of a Sage. To know him and learn from him was a rare privilege and blessing.

As an artist he was brilliant. His sketches were with the odd exception, faultless. After completing some aspect of the picture that we had discussed, and which I know he sensed I had not quite appreciated, he would smile mischievously, nod his head and say "now do you understand?"

Stanley endeared himself to all who worked with him and looked after him at the Cathedral. Dasan, whose responsibility it was to be around and ensure he was safe on the scaffolding, Anthony and Anura who supplied his frugal needs of water and tea and Chaminda and Timothy who very gladly drove him to and from the Cathedral In fact it was Chaminda who first informed me of his death.

Stanley’s work on earth is now complete. But the Mural at the Cathedral will remain a continuing gift from a devout disciple of the Buddha to generations of those who strive to be devout disciples of the Christ. In the language of S. John, the Mural will always be a SIGN that it is possible to inspire and enrich one another from within our respective religious traditions.

When the mural was completed and blessed we had no option but to move the chairs out and bring in the Sesath. Those who enter are encouraged to sit on the ground in silence and meditate on crossing boundaries for the sake of each other.

I know that Stanley will graciously acknowledge our Churches thanksgiving to God for his life and work and as I commit him and his dear wife Irangani and sons Ravinatha and Kumara to refuge in the Triune God, Parent, Son and Holy Spirit.