Wife of American national who embraced Buddhism and even built a children's ward for Ratnapura hospital ... dies in bomb attack!

Wife of American national who embraced Buddhism and even built a children's ward for Ratnapura hospital ... dies in bomb attack!

Netherland national, Mrs. Monique Allen (52), beloved wife of Mr. Lewis Allen (an American international gem businessman) who embraced Buddhism has donated a fully-furnished children's ward-complex complete with 107 beds to Ratnapura general hospital together with three Sri Lankan gem businessmen; but most unfortunately passed away from the bomb explosion at Cinnamon Grand Hotel.

Her final rites was conducted on 22nd evening according to Buddhist religious customs with
participation of Sri Lankans and comrades.   

Mrs. Allen was a mother of three children and had arrived in Sri Lanka last 16th with her husband. They all were happy after seeing the children's ward-complex donated to Ratnapura general hospital and even planned building its third floor. Subsequently ... even before twenty-four hours passed, she faced this heinous incident.  

Mrs. Allen's husband pooled in a sum of over Rs. 100 million in unison with international gem businessmen, messrs. Punsiri Tennakoon, Priyantha de Silva and Subhash Karunaratna for this children's ward-complex. Of that investment, 25% of the expenditure was borne by deceased Mrs. Monique Groinwood's husband. 

After the body was identified, her dead body was brought to Mr. Allen's Sri Lankan friend Mr. Tennakoon's house and after the maha sangha was invited and religious activities were conducted. After cremation at Borella cemetery, Mr. Allen departed to Thailand on 22nd in the company of his three children. 

Mr. Lewis Allen and his deceased wife Mrs. Monica and their three children dedicated themselves to the Buddhist faith. After this tragedy Mr. Allen was in a serious state of shock and despondency. International gem businessman Mr. Punsiri Tennakoon had this to say in connection with this incident: "Not only businessmen engaged in the gem trade but all people living in Ratnapura district are in sorrow about the unexpected demise of Mrs. Monique Allen. The short period she spent with the staff of Ratnapura general hospital was spent in fun. Finally, Mr. Allen and the three children left the island in her absence.