Beloved children’s book writer and illustrator, Sybil Wettasinghe, passed away today at the age of 92. Throughout her prolific career, she produced over 200 books, many of which were translated into numerous languages for little ones to enjoy around the world. She has won multiple awards, including the 1995 Gratiaen Prize (co-winner). Here is how Twitter is sharing its grief over the loss of a childhood icon, and stories of how she inspired them growing up.
My father remembers being at a wedding that Sybil Wettasinghe was attending. He thinks he was around five at the time. She was already beloved then.
— Andrew Fidel Fernando (@afidelf) July 1, 2020
60 years later, my two year old loves -absolutely adores- her books.
What a career. What a legacy. What a loss. RIP. pic.twitter.com/qFqXSZVHeQ
Rest in peace Sybil Wettasinghe, one of my favorite artists. Goodbye Sybil Achchi. Thank you for the stories. pic.twitter.com/6Cj1Nz8d39
— indica (@indica) July 1, 2020
Rest in Peace, Sybil Wettasinghe 🙏
— Munza Mushtaq (@munza14) July 1, 2020
Thank you for the stories ❤️#LKA #SriLanka pic.twitter.com/2HzblMaJmc
Thank you for the stories, Mrs. Wettasinghe. May you be at peace. #SybilWettasingheRIP pic.twitter.com/K2gx9HsObW
— Aman Ashraff (@amanashraff) July 1, 2020
I still remember the first day I read "Child In Me"; stories from her childhood that made me want to live in those times. A gifted storyteller and an illustrator gone too soon, because none is here to fill the void left. සුබ ගමන් සිබිල් නැන්දා 👋🏻 pic.twitter.com/DUssjGMNwH
— Shami. (@TheSauceCode) July 1, 2020
Rest in peace Sybil Wettasinghe. Your illustrations in your books is what inspired me to draw 😔
— Prathiba (@so_dead__inside) July 1, 2020
RIP Sybil Wettasinghe, you were, are and always will be my favourite author. You will be missed.
— Niken Gamage (@stfuniken) July 1, 2020
I honestly don't think I have ever come across anyone as positive and radiant as Sybil Wettasinghe. She told me the key to success and happiness was to be free from anger, envy and hate. She definitely walked the talk. She was in very good health until a couple of days ago. pic.twitter.com/80DI8t9XuG
— Ajay Kamalakaran (@AjayKamalakaran) July 1, 2020
A national treasure and a true legend. We all grew up with her! #SriLanka #lka
— Krishni Iresha (@krishniP) July 1, 2020
Veteran children's book author and illustrator Sybil Wettasinghe passed away: Sources- https://t.co/nN5yIUH2kI
So sorry to read that Sybil Wettasinghe has died. She worked cheerfully to illustrate the low cost English books we produced through the English Association. Children loved them and I also brought out two of her lovable books in English, 'Vesak Lantern' and 'The Runaway Beard' pic.twitter.com/0TK6MuwzPK
— Rajiva Wijesinha (@RajivaW) July 1, 2020
The one who defined our childhood ... may you attain #nirvana The legendary story teller of Sri Lanka Sybil Wettasinghe passed away at the age of 92 .... pic.twitter.com/D0BHhR0UC5
— Isuru Wimalasundera (@i_Prashasthi) July 1, 2020
Sybil Wettasinghe's books were the first Sinhala books I read for fun, and probably the reason why I had any enthusiasm for learning to read in Sinhala at all.
— Amethystinia Is Packing Up For The Big Move, BRB (@Amethystinia) July 1, 2020
Rest in peace, queen of stories. You will always, always be loved. 💜 https://t.co/uQsqwpEWp9
💔😔 Veteran children's book author & illustrator Sybil Wettasinghe has passed away at the age of 93.
— Dasuni Athauda (@AthaudaDasuni) July 1, 2020
I still read “The child in me” every now and then. It’s my favorite book of hers. Thank you for being an amazing storyteller and illustrator. 🙏🏼 #lka #SriLanka #Sybil pic.twitter.com/Bp1cUgC9tq