In loving memory and deepest sorrow, the family announces the passing away of Yoga Balachandran (nee Yogambihai Vallipuram) in Calgary, Alberta. Yoga is an alumni of Holy Family Convent (Jaffna) and University of Hawaii, USA. She started her illustrious career as a journalist with Sri Lankan national newspaper Veerakesari. Later, she joined the Family Planning Association of Sri Lanka, where she worked for 31 years and retired as Director, Communications. Throughout her life, Yoga was an ardent advocate for women’s rights and empowerment. Yoga was also a renowned author, poet, dramatist, and journalist, contributing to national TV, radio and BBC.

Yoga was born in Karaveddy as the eldest daughter to Murugesu Vallipuram (Inspector of Police) and Sellama. Yoga was predeceased by her husband, K. Balachandran (former general manager Times Of Ceylon and general secretary of Colombo Art Circle). Yoga is survived by sons Jegan (Ottawa), Suthan (Calgary). Yoga will be greatly missed by siblings Anandasivam (Colombo), Sritharan (Jaffna), and Radhamanoharan (Montreal); daughters-in-law Kalyani and Kamila and grandchildren Anjana, Aqeel, Anwer, Arjun and Maryam. Yoga was predeceased by her siblings Sivagnam, Jegathambihai, Kamalambihai, Lalithambihai, Gangatharan, and Gnanambihai. Yoga is also the beloved in law of late Mr. Rajeswaran, Mrs. Kamala Rajeswaran and Mr & Mrs. Qasim.
A private funeral service will be held in Calgary on May 22nd, followed by cremation the same day. Please make any in-memoriam contributions to Anpakem Children Home, Mannar Road, Veppankulam, Vavuniya, Sri Lanka, or to Alzheimer Society of Canada. 
Om Shanthi, Shanthi, Shanthi