TRIBUTES have been paid to a Sri Lankan woman who tragically died at a pedestrian crossing in Petersfield.

Lakshmi (Yogalakshmi) Sinnaiah (58) was killed after colliding with a lorry at the crossing in Dragon Street.

During her 11 years living in Liss and working there and in Petersfield she made many friends, among them Rebecca Baxter from Liss. Rebecca said: “Lakshmi worked for my husband when he was single, and liked to say she persuaded him to propose.

“She was lovely, and, although she hadn’t worked for us for five years, she was a dear friend, and whenever she came back from Sri Lanka she would bring us and the children presents.”

In the aftermath of Lashmi’s death, Rebecca’s father, Nigel Bell, of Sussex Road, has been trying to ease the way for her daughter Ramani, to travel here.

Lakshmi arrived in Liss in 2005, to care for the children of Sri Lankan diplomat Jay Sellahewa after the death of his wife in 2003.

He said: “Lakshmi was a generous and caring person who never stopped helping the less able and disadvantaged, despite not having resources to give away.

“She was a trusted housekeeper who became a family friend and a part of our family over the 12 years...I feel her loss every hour and every day, this has been the most painful experience for me since my late wife’s death in 2003...I would, with Ramani’s support, will continue her charity work."

Lakshmi also worked cleaning and childminding.

Rebecca said: “She was one of life’s angels with a huge personality, and cheerful and kind.”

Lakshmi also helped relatives rebuild their lives after the tsunami in 2004, and after the death of her son Pragash in 2007, she collected for the Sri Jinanada Children’s Development Centre in Sri Lanka, raising enough to build two much need wash rooms.

Rebecca added: “Despite tragic events in her life, she was always smiling. This year was to hold great things, something that Lakshmi was very excited to tell everyone in the last few weeks. Her daughter was graduating in April and marrying this summer.”

Her friends hope to cover the cost of Ramani’s travel to the funeral, and then fundraise for the centre.

Donations can be made at the webpage https://crowdfunding.justgiving.com/lakshmi or to Rowlands Funeral Services in Petersfield.

It is hoped the funeral will go ahead next Tuesday, but this is dependent on Ramani being able to get to the UK by then.

For further news, contact Rowlands on 01730 262711.