My dear Podi Aiyya, I write this appreciation as I remember your birthday that fell on December 22, 2008. We are still coping with the trauma after your departure from us forever, four months ago.
You were more than a brother to your younger brothers and sisters. Your noble qualities helped mould our characters. You always stood for justice and fair play.
When our beloved Father passed away, Loku Aiyya and you ensured the future well-being of your younger brothers and sisters.
An old Thomian, you attached much importance to the English Language. I vividly remember how, when my tutor suggested I use an English dictionary, you gave me a copy of the Oxford Dictionary two days later. I still use that very dictionary in my daily correspondence and literary work.
You started your career as a junior officer in a leading shipping company. Within a short period, you had won the goodwill of the management and the staff. You were very popular among your colleagues. They sought your advice and guidance whenever they were confronted with problems.
From shipping, you switched to the hotel trade. You were a pioneer in the establishment of the Coral Garden, Hikkaduwa. There again you were a team leader and an achiever. Your personality, modesty and friendliness made you popular among your colleagues.
You were also a talented musician and vocalist, performing regularly for the SLBC. You were good on both the violin and the keyboard.
In the mid-’70s, with the rapid growth of the tourist industry, you joined the Holiday Inn. Hard-working and ambitious, and with your vast experience in the field, you very correctly did not wish to stagnate in one place. You wanted to reach out to new horizons in the tourism sector. The Pegasus Hotel then gave you a responsible post.
At the Pegasus you became a very popular figure in a very short period of time. At the annual Christmas Party, you were chosen for the role of Santa Claus.
You were a true son of Mother Lanka. The Sri Lanka Army would call upon your services as a volunteer from time to time, whenever the country faced civil commotion or turmoil.
I wish to recall an incident that demonstrates Podi Aiya’s concern for others.
One day, while travelling in a bus, he found someone’s pay packet lying on the seat next to him. He asked the conductor if he had any idea who it belonged to. The conductor said it could be a girl working in a garment factory.
Podi Aiya, who at the time was working for the Pegasus, spent the next three days tracking down the rightful owner. When he finally found her, the garment factory girl was speechless. Tears in her eyes, she thanked my brother profusely for his trouble and kindness. My brother told the family about his experience with a great sense of satisfaction.
Podi Aiyya, we are deeply proud of you. You were the most popular uncle among your nephews and nieces. They lovingly called you Sudu Maama.
We all wish you the Supreme Bliss of Nirvana.
Godwin de Alwis,
Your youngest brother
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