Goodbye, Binu
There are some farewells that feel unbearably unfair. The passing of Binu Nagarjuna Weeraratne at just mid thirty years of age was one of them.
Family, friends and supporters gathered at South West Middlesex Crematorium for an emotional final goodbye to a man remembered by everyone as kind-hearted, artistic and deeply compassionate. Despite a long period of health deterioration, his passing came as a devastating shock to those who knew and loved him.
The funeral service brought together people from across England, including friends of the family, members of the Sri Lankan community and supporters of the Janatha Vimukthi Peramuna and National People's Power, who came to stand in solidarity with the Weerathna family during one of the most difficult moments of their lives.
At the centre of the grieving family were Binu’s parents, Nandana Weeraratne and Renu Weeraratne. Nandana Weeraratne is widely respected as a journalist, including for his reporting on the alleged Batalanda detention center controversy and his long-standing work covering Sri Lankan politics and international affairs.
One of the most moving moments of the service came when Sanjeev Patel delivered a heartfelt tribute on behalf of himself and Nikki. He spoke warmly of Binu’s generosity, his creativity and his ability to make everyone around him feel valued. His words captured the feeling shared by so many in the room: that Binu was not only a good friend, but someone who carried genuine warmth and humanity wherever he went.
A Buddhist monk also offered prayers and reflections, while Darshana Hettiarachi spoke on behalf of the NPP movement in the UK. A further tribute was delivered representing the family of Gamini Muthukumarana.
But it was the speech from Binu’s father that left many in tears. Speaking not as a journalist or public figure, but simply as a father mourning his son, Nandana Weeraratna’s words reflected the heartbreak of a family saying goodbye far too soon.
Binu Nagarjuna Weeraratna will be remembered not only for his artistic spirit and kind nature, but for the love he gave to those around him. His life, though tragically short, clearly touched many people.
Goodbye, Binu. May your soul rest in peace.