Funeral for Calvin Wijeweera after his death at Carlingford

A teen who witnessed his friend’s death has told mourners at his funeral how he was beaming with happiness just moments before tragedy struck.

Calvin Wijeweera’s parents Sandun and Anoma, and sister Ovindi, should have been preparing for Christmas with their only son and sibling and relishing the traditions of the season.

His mates from Carlingford High School should have been counting down the days to summer holidays and anticipating their final year of high school.

Instead, almost a fortnight after his life was cut tragically short while walking from school at Carlingford, they gathered at St Gerard Majella’s Catholic Church to hold his funeral.

During one of the eulogies, Calvin’s friend and classmate Daniel Amirbekyan recounted the delight of his friend, who was an aspiring aerospace engineer, at breaking a school record for constructing a 46kg model bridge, just a day before he was killed.

He was with him when a car struck his volleyball-loving friend near Carlingford Court shopping centre on December 1.

Daniel Amirbekyan (front, left) was among the pallbearers at Calvin Wijeweera’s funeral. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“Walking alongside him that day, I clearly remember his bright smile as he celebrated a school record for his bridge,’’ he told more than 250 mourners during the moving two-hour service.

“He worked on it the entire night and secured his well-deserved record. Who would have thought that a day of celebration would turn out to be a day of immeasurable grief.

“It’s hard to believe that we will no longer be able to make any memories together but instead I will cherish the memories we already made and hold them to me.’’

Ivan Castaneda, who survived the crash at Rembrandt St, said “Calvin was definitely the brother I never had”.

Crash Investigation Unit specialist officers continue inquiries into the crash that occurred about 11.20am.

A Mitsubishi Lancer sedan, driven by a 90-year-old Epping woman, struck him, mounted the kerb and crashed into a mechanic’s van in the driveway of a house. No charges have been laid.

Paramedics treated Calvin but he died at the scene.

During her eulogy, Calvin’s proud sister Ovindi Wijeweera, 23, recalled the day her brother was born in Colombo and thanked her “handsome, brilliant, athletic” younger sibling for giving her the opportunity to be an older sister.

“You had a full head of black hair so much so I asked Mum if I could peel it all off.’’

Calvin Wijeweera’s sister Ovindi delivered the first eulogy. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Another school friend recalled how Ovindi would “stalk” her only sibling on TikTok to keep “him in check”, but Calvin wasn’t fazed because he loved the close bond they shared.

“You had a short life but a tremendously beautiful one,’’ Ovindi said.

“Though your life was only 17 years long, you have touched the hearts of hundreds of people.

“From your school community to the Sri Lankan community, you are such an integral part of all our lives.

Carlingford High School friends grieve Calvin. Picture: Justin Lloyd

“When I look inside your room, I see you reading on your bed. When I walk into the kitchen, I see you making noodles. I know you are with me, not physically but in my heart and around me in every beautiful thing that I see and experience.

“Life isn’t life without you. It’s merely surviving.

“Heaven has gained the most handsome, brilliant new soul.’’

Six of Calvin’s classmates were the pallbearers at the service, which was held in English and partly in Sinhalese as a nod to the family’s Sri Lankan heritage.

Calvin Wijeweera’s mum Anoma and dad Sandun embrace mourners. Picture: Justin Lloyd

Carlingford High School principal David Krust said students and teachers were devastated about the death of Calvin who had grown into a “fine young person”.

He shared memories on behalf of staff, including Calvin’s English teacher who would invariably receive a “thank you, Miss” from him after each lesson, no matter how stern she was.

Or one of the sports teachers who managed to coax Calvin into using his height to play rugby league despite his reluctance since year 9.

Despite having little experience, “he still had a smile on his face getting off the bus”.

“He never took a backward step putting his body on the line against bigger opponents.’’

When he played volleyball he was competitive but humble.

Calvin Wijeweera’s coffin is taken into St Gerard Majella’s Catholic Church as his mum Anoma and dad Sandun follow it. Picture: Justin Lloyd

His teachers described him as gentle and brilliant.

Mr Krust praised Calvin’s parents Sandun and Anoma for helping their son develop into someone with great respect for his peers.

“A chemistry class will never be the same,’’ he said.

“However, we’ve all vowed to remember him for the happy, active, friendly and amazing person he was.’’

During a task in English class, students were asked to write about themselves and Calvin used the adjectives funny, reliable, relaxed and sometimes serious.

Anoma Wijeweera breaks down as her son’s coffin leaves the church for burial. Picture: Justin Lloyd

His friends from North Parramatta Sinhala School said Calvin was a gentle giant dedicated to learning more about his Sri Lankan heritage.

Father Shansana Wasara told mourners Calvin’s soul was safe.

“It was God’s plan that Calvin had to be taken by the Lord,’’ he said.

“Life is short and whether you’re an adult or a child, none of us know when we will have to end our journey here on earth.’’

Calvin’s parents returned to the scene of his death constantly after he died.

“I came here in Australia (from Sri Lanka) for a better life,’’ Mr Wijeweera said a day after the fatality. “It’s unbelievable that happened to my son.’’