On May 19, distressing reports surfaced that Iranian President Ebrahim Raisi, along with his Foreign Minister Hossein Amirabdollahian and several other passengers and crew members, had tragically perished when their helicopter crashed into a mountainside while returning from Azerbaijan. This heartbreaking news profoundly devastated a Sri Lankan child, leaving him deeply saddened by the unexpected loss.
The child, Gayindu Kithanada, had recently welcomed President Raisi with a traditional sheaf of betel leaves during his visit to Sri Lanka on April 24.
The the Sunday Observer visited Gayindu at his home in Embilipitiya. When we arrived, his father was away at work while Gayindu was at home with his mother, two brothers, and grandmother.
Gayindu recalled that his father informed him about the tragedy just two days beforehand. “However, I wasn›t aware of whom I was supposed to welcome. When my father said that it was the President of Iran, I was thrilled. My responsibility was to greet the President with a traditional sheaf of betel leaves upon his arrival at the Mattala Airport,” he said.
“On the day I greeted President Raisi, he unexpectedly caressed my head and kissed me on the forehead. It was a moment of immense pride and love for me. Although he blessed me in his language, I couldn›t comprehend the words. They sounded unfamiliar, and to this day, I remain unaware of their meaning. With no translator present and everything happening so quickly, but it felt like a heartfelt blessing,” Gayindu said.
Gayindu shared that when he returned to school the following day, his friends surrounded him with numerous questions, thrilled about the opportunity he had. He said that neither the Principal nor his class teacher at Embilipitiya Sri Bodhiraja Vidyalaya knew about the incident. Gayindu said, “I was instructed not to share it with anyone as a safety precaution for the President, so I kept it to myself.” However, when his teacher and friends saw the news on TV, they were overjoyed. Gayindu added, “Even my relatives reached out to me, expressing how fortunate I was to welcome a President like him.”
Gayindu revealed that he was in school when the news of President Raisi›s accident began to spread. “I was completely unaware of the incident. When I returned home, my grandmother informed me that the President’s helicopter had crashed, and he hadn›t survived,” Gayindu said. Reflecting on the news, he said, “I felt deeply saddened upon hearing it, recalling the kindness he showed me when I greeted him. I couldn’t help but wonder why such a fate would befall a good person like him.” Gayindu said, “I wished he attain the supreme Bliss of Nirvana”
Gayindu said that his favourite subject is Mathematics, and he aspires to become an Electrical Engineer in the future. He added, “I also enjoy studying English and dancing.” Sharing his academic achievements, he said, “In 2023, I scored 153 marks in the scholarship exam.”
Gayindu is the second child in the family, with two brothers. His elder brother, Yonal Sithnada, is studying in Grade 8, while his younger brother, Rithira Nimna, is in Grade 3. With both parents occupied with professional responsibilities, their grandmother plays a central role in managing most of their affairs and is the closest figure to them.
Gayindu’s grandmother, Prema Jayasekara speaking to the Sunday Observer affectionately described her bond with her three grandchildren, saying, “My three children, love me very much. I also love them dearly.” She said she eagerly awaits their return from school, where they engage in various activities together. However, upon learning of President Raisi›s passing, one of her grandchildren, Gayindu, was visibly upset. Prema said, “When I told Podi that President Raisi was gone, he was very sad. I saw his eyes filled with tears,” she said.
Translated by Maneshka Borham
