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A man of simple ways and great values, he earned the respect of all

J.K. Piyathilaka

For the past 50 years and ever since I knew him as a special, lovable person and my most adorable relative, he always had a smile on his face. This was such a remarkable feature which expressed content, innocence, happiness, the love extended and the humblest features of a sound character with charisma!

He was simple always ready to look at anything in an unbiased way. He was a master planner from his young days and grew to be solid and steadfast, often aiming to prosper, see far and develop wisdom. His simplicity was shown in his dress, expenditure, lifestyle and basically in anything that he did.He took not even a cent from another without a reason, and every ‘cent’ earned by him was well earned and well spent. He never craved for luxuries, never enjoyed having the best of comforts in his day-to-day living.

His dress was always immaculate but never overdone.He was a silent, good observer rather than a vociferous talker, a person who could fit into any occasion, be it a function, party or any occasion. Never did he speak of his achievements and if it had to be done, I am sure it was solely for the benefit of the next generations.

He earned his bread and butter with honesty and sincerity. Every step that he took in his career was with utmost patience. He began work as a simple trainer but ended up almost at the top. He had difficult beginnings, having lost his mother when he was very young. But destiny guided him and brought him to the limelight! He never bowed to injustice and never stooped to low levels with the intention of reaching high levels or gaining money and prosperity which makes me quote H.W. Longfellow. “His brow is wet with honest sweat; He earns what ever he can; And looks the whole world in the face; For he owes not any man.”

Not only did he serve his country but he had the fortune of serving in his field in other countries too.
It is said that the calibre of children a person has, speaks of the magnitude of the values he had inculcated in them. To help guide the children to become great scholars and get them married to learned people too are the true features of a duty-bound father.

He was a true leader to his family and commanded their respect. He was a true friend to the people close to him and he cared for his friends and relations, especially for the deserving poor. He was proud to be an Aloysian and often stood up for the dignity of the school. Finally I end with the words. “He envied nobody and nobody envied him”.

The writer wishes to stay anonymous, treading in his footsteps

 
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