I got to know Gowry, closely, during the time Hulftsdorf was ablazewith the movement to impeach the Chief Justice in 2012/13. Priorto that I had met her at many functions organized by the lawyers and had seen her in the Supreme Court almost daily appearing withSenior President’s Counsel as the Instructing Attorney. Before all these took place, we had met each other at the Faculty of Law of the University of Colombo. Irrespective of all these, Gowry had never visited me in my Chamber at Hulftsdorp, although I was there from 1996, until after November 2012. That clearly highlights the true nature of Gowry. Whenever I saw her in the Supreme Court, either in Court No. 502 or 403, she was always carrying a bundle of files and most of those cases she instructed, were pertaining to either violations of human rights or related to controversial issues. She was a person who wanted to be a friend for those in need. She wanted to assist people who had unfairly and unjustly been thrown into difficulties. She wanted to extend her support to eradicate unreasonable decisions or unfair treatment. Gowry devoted her precious time for those who were in need of her services and in her own way fought for them and their rights. She was fearless and by nature, Gowry was a fighter. It brings to my mind the protest march against the impeachment of the Chief Justice, where thousands of Lawyers participated, notwithstanding the efforts by many at that time toscuttle it. A photograph of the protest was published in several newspapers. In one of those, a closeup of Gowry was highlighted, donning a black headband and raising her hand in protest of what was happening at Hulftsdorp. That photograph, which is embedded in my mind, speaks the true nature of GowryShangary Thavarasha.It brings deep sadness to think that Gowry is no more. Many who obtained her assistance as well as those who knew her closely would feel the void, she had left at Hulftsdorp. It is hard to fill such a vacuum. Gowry’s demise was indeed a loss.Our heartfelt condolences are extended to her beloved husband, Thava.

Justice Dr.ShiraniA.Bandaranayake
43rd Chief Justice of the Republic of Sri Lanka