Rasika Yasaspriya Weeratunga

Rasika Weeratunga returned to his heavenly home on the 9th of May, 2026 at the age of 52 surrounded by his family in Calgary, Canada.

His legacy of strength and optimism is evident through his professional career and volunteer works. Born in Colombo, Sri Lanka to his parents Don Rathnasiri and Dayalatha Weeratunga (nee Senanayaka) he was a child gifted in speech and story telling. Rasika married his wife Diyamanthi Weeratunga (nee Fernando) on the 24th of June 2004 at Old Saints Church located in Borella, Colombo.

He was admitted to Sri Lanka Law College in 1997 and enrolled as an Attorney at Law in December 2000. He worked as a Junior Counsel under Mr. Daya Perera, President’s Counsel and Mr. Kalinga Indatissa, President’s Counsel. Through his own merit and dedication, he rose to become an accomplished defense attorney within the legal profession in Sri Lanka. Praised for his astute understanding of legal doctrine he was a formidable force in and out of the court room. He carved out his professional career on the values of human dignity and justice as he believed that every individual deserved a fair trial and representation by a trusted attorney. Under his guidance and mentorship, many junior attorneys were nurtured and inspired to uphold the same standards of integrity, professionalism, and commitment to justice.

He was not only a brilliant lawyer but a fantastic friend who deeply cared for the people close to him. He had a story ready at the tip of his tongue for all occasions, whether of his rugby days, the most recent courtroom drama, or in-depth political analysis.

His passion for cars which he carried from his younger years was unleashed on the race weekends of the Formula 1 calendar. He also possessed a deep love for music, often enjoying his favourite music through his cherished set of speakers, and delighted in watching and discussing movies with family and friends.

An avid adventurer and wild-life photographer, he and Diyamanthi travelled to Singapore and Malaysia as part of their honeymoon, backpacked across Vietnam, and trekked to Base Camp, Mount Everest. An annual camping pilgrimage to Kebiliththa through Kumana National Park was the first to be scheduled in his law diary, an item no one saw leave his side alongside his exquisite fountain pens. He would spend time capturing the island wildlife, trade stories at nightfall with his friends, and come home with new stories to share with his family.

After immigrating to Canada, he devoted his time to assisting the beavers of Fish Creek Park as a member of the Friends of Fish Creek organization and planned for family hikes and camping trips through the summer.

He spent his final years examining his spirituality, ultimately leading him to find community and solace within the Holy Spirit Catholic Church. He is survived by his parents, Don Rathnasiri Weeratunga, Dayalatha Weeratunga, his wife Diyamanthi Weeratunga and his three children, Sachini, Ishini, and Praveen.

Deepest thanks and gratitude are extended towards Alberta Health Services, the community within the Holy Spirit Parish, and friends for the continuous support and generosity provided during this challenging period.

The Funeral Mass will take place at Holy Spirit Parish (10827 24 St. SW) on Friday, May 22nd, 2026 at 10:30 am, guests are welcomed to light refreshments after. The Gravesite Service will take place at Prairie Sky Cemetery following the Reception.

The link for the YouTube livestream as follows: https://youtube.com/live/OHhgyJInRkU or a direct link to the Parish YouTube Channel: youtube.com/@audiovisualholyspiritparishcal

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