Anujani Aluwihare, dearly beloved mother of Yugena, wife of Shantha Gunawardena, daughter of C.B. Aluwihare and Ranjanee Balalle, sister of Chanaka, Manthree, Palma, Bhathiya, Nishamini, and Nirmalavo, sister-in-law of Loren, Ananda, Sanath, Ariyanthi, Savithra, Deegau, Prassanna, and Preethi, daughter-in-law of Victor and Srimathi, and aunt of Diego, Ranjini, Hemamali, Rukmalin, Tulan, Ranmukha, Piyumal, Zabrina, Trevor, Denali, Mihika, Kesani, Kulunu, Duniyasha, and Thishankya, passed away on the 5th of November.
Anujani was born on the 18th of March 1965 in Mahanuwara, Central Province, Sri Lanka. Receiving her primary education at BMS Girls’ School in Matale and secondary education at Kandy Girls’ High School. She displayed a remarkable work ethic and drive for success from a young age. Moving to the United States thereafter, she received her Bachelors of Business Administration in 1994 and completed her Masters in Business Administration in 1996, both at the University of Texas, San Antonio (UTSA). Upon completing her education, and carving a path for success in the United States for her family to follow in the process, she started her career as a Junior Accountant at the UT Health Science Center, San Antonio (UTHSCSA), becoming a Certified Public Accountant in 2004, and going on to become the Director of Finance for the VP for Research at UTHSCSA. After her tenure at UTHSCSA, she went on to become the Director of Finance at the University of Minnesota for a year and a half. Following an enjoyable time up north full of friends, family, and discovery, she returned to San Antonio and had her hard work validated in becoming the Associate Vice Provost for Academic Success at her alma mater, UTSA, a post from which she would work at until retirement.
An incredible mother to many, she gave a level of love and care that few get to experience in their lifetimes. Never backing down on her morals, her strength and compassion remain pillars we rest on today and for years to come. Everything she received, everything she had, she aspired to give back to those who put her in a position to succeed, by helping countless young people in both Sri Lanka and the United States achieve higher education and further success. A bright light in any room, her energy was never to be brought down by anybody, and she is truly and inspiration to many who have had the pleasure of meeting her.
She is loved by so many, friends and relatives alike, and missed dearly by all. To keep her memory and legacy alive, we are in the process of forming a charitable foundation to keep her objectives improving the quality of life of young women in rural areas of Sri Lanka by building proper toilet facilities in rural schools and promoting awareness about breast cancer in Sri Lanka. Anujani self-funded this project last year and her vision will continue through this foundation. If you are interested in becoming of a part of the project, please email [email protected] for further information.
