A TRIBUTE TO THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JOHN SUSANTHA OBEYESEKERE By Upali Obeyesekere
It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of John Susantha Obeyesekere, on September 14th, and was peacefully laid to rest on September 19, 2026.
Beloved son of the Late St. Elmo and Eugenie Obeyesekere of Kurunegala, Sri Lanka, John Susantha was a devoted husband to Maureen, loving father of Anne (Jerome), and cherished grandfather of Millie, Benny, and Rhys. He leaves behind his sister Suranganie, brother Upali and number of nephews, nieces, cousins, friends, and relatives who live all over the world.
Born in Kurunegala, John Susantha carried the warmth, values, and rich legacy of his island roots wherever life took him. A beloved brother, devoted husband, and cherished family member, his presence was a cornerstone of our family for generations. He shared a beautiful and enduring life with his devoted wife, Maureen, with whom he joyfully celebrated a milestone 50th wedding anniversary in June of this year. His 88 years on this earth were defined by his quiet strength, his commitment to family, and the gentle resilience he showed through all of life’s seasons.
He immigrated to Canada in 1971 and made Toronto his permanent home. In 1972, he had the good fortune of being hired by IBM Canada Ltd. as a Marketing Representative, marking the beginning of a distinguished corporate career. Over the next 26 years, he rose through the ranks and held several managerial positions within the multinational company. He opted for early retirement in 1998, concluding a long and successful tenure with IBM.
Cricket and tennis were among his greatest passions, and he brought his all‑round sporting skills to his Ceylonese employer, Gestetner (Ceylon) Ltd., where he represented the company in the highly competitive Mercantile Cricket Association. Beyond sports, he was widely admired for his talent as a Master of Ceremonies, frequently compering major Colombo social events and becoming a familiar presence at many of the city’s popular dances. The photo herein is during his IBM days in Toronto.
As the Sri Lankan‑Canadian community began to take shape in Toronto, he immersed himself in its socio‑cultural development. Recognizing the unifying power of sport, he assembled and led the first unofficial Ceylon Cricket XI, a friendly team that brought together Sri Lankan expatriates and helped strengthen community bonds.
His leadership and organizational ability were soon recognized, and he was elected General Secretary of the Canada–Sri Lanka Association (CSLA) through unanimous assent — a rare endorsement that reflected the trust placed in him by the membership. In this role, he collaborated with the association’s strong committee to plan and execute the inaugural Sinhala/Tamil New Year celebrations in Toronto. This landmark event, the first of its kind in Canada, attracted families from across the region and set a new standard for cultural programming within the diaspora. Its success helped establish CSLA as a premier institution and the only social association in the community.
John Susantha Obeyesekere’s story carries the quiet strength of a man who shaped the destiny of an entire family through courage, sacrifice, and an unwavering sense of duty.
A Legacy of Leadership and Loyalty
The defining chapter of his life began when he opened the door to Canada for his sister Suranganie (and her three children) and his brother Upali in 1974, sponsoring them so they could build new futures alongside him. A year later, he completed the circle by bringing their parents to Canada as well. In doing so, he reunified a family from Kurunegala and laid the foundation for the generations that followed.
This was not a small gesture. It was the act of a trailblazer — someone who saw beyond borders and believed in opportunity, responsibility, and family unity.
A Man of Absolute Authenticity
Those who knew him understood one thing clearly: “what you see is what you get.” There was no pretense, no hidden agenda, no performance. His honesty was his signature, and his character was his compass.
A Life Lived on His Own Terms
The most fitting symbol of his spirit was his devotion to his signature song, Frank Sinatra’s “My Way.” Not quoting the full lyrics, but the sentiment is unmistakable:
He faced life’s challenges with resolve, made his choices with conviction, and stood by them with dignity.
He lived his way — and that is the mark of a life well lived.
Though he has been called home to rest, his memory will live on forever in the hearts of his family, friends, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.
May his precious soul Rest in Eternal Peace!
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Thanks.
eLanka team
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