Dr. Kumaraswamy Balachandra – Consultant Psychiatrist and Champion of Equality

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Dr. Kumaraswamy Balachandra. While he was a distinguished psychiatrist who served in both Sri Lanka and the UK, he will be remembered most for the vibrant, generous, and joyful life he led.

A proud "Patrician", Dr. Balachandra spoke often and fondly of his formative years at St. Patrick’s College in Jaffna.  After emigrating to the UK in 1975, he held posts at Thatchbury Mount Hospital Southampton, Bristol, St. Bartholomew's Hospital, and The Priory Oxford. He always viewed his work as a means to an end, a platform to help others. Dr. Balachandra’s true professional pride lay in advocacy. He was a fearless champion for equality, working with the British Medical Association and the Commission for Racial Equality. He worked not only to help his patients but also to champion equality for all.

Dr. Balachandra was a pillar of the Sri Lankan medical diaspora and passionately supported the St. Patricks Alumni.  He didn’t just want to succeed; he wanted everyone to "come up" with him. He was legendary for his generosity:  giving freely of his time, finances, and wisdom to help family and friends navigate their paths to success.

For Dr. Balachandra, although academic and professional excellence were of deep importance to him, they never took precedence over quality of life and what mattered most: the people and causes he loved. He was that rare individual who lived life to the fullest. An adventurous spirit, he traveled to all seven continents and attended several Olympic Games. An enthusiastic fan of cricket, he supported the Sri Lankan team at every opportunity, even serving as their team doctor on occasion. His home was a hub of hospitality where everyone would gather for dinner, laughter, and his famous gift of rich storytelling.

Whether at a world-class sporting event or organizing an intimate party at home, he was always in his element, a master of the "great time". He exemplified that life was meant to be lived, celebrated, and not just worked through.

Above all, his heart belonged to his family. He is survived by his devoted wife Loretta; daughters Shanika and Manori; sons-in-law Quentin and Cezhan; beloved grandchildren Matthew and Alix.

He is also survived by his sisters Parameswary Balasubramaniam and Balasaraswathy Thambiah. He was preceded in death by Kumaraswamy Kandiah (father), Packiam Kumaraswamy (mother), Rajeswary Sivasubramaniam (sister), Balendra Kumaraswamy (brother). 

Although Dr. Balachandra will be remembered for his contributions to his profession and his community, his legendary generosity toward his alma mater, and his unwavering commitment to the dignity of others, he will, however, be primarily remembered most for his heart, his spirit, and selfless devotion.  

He leaves a legacy of a life lived with immense joy and purpose, further fulfilled by the opportunity that he was given to assist others wherever he could; a reminder to us all that "All that is not given is lost" - Rabindranath Tagore.

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