Appreciations

The proprietor of the Ceylon Boot Manufactory, P.A. Christy Perera passed away one year ago. It was an irreparable loss to all who knew him.

Christy was from a family reputed for hand-made leather footwear. The Ceylon Boot Manufactory is well known for its fashionable high quality shoes.

For Christy, footwear manufacture was a science. His shoes were never out of step with one’s health or skin. They were comfortable and light to the feet, while being strong and durable.

I can still get the fragrance of the leather top and crepe rubber sole of these shoes from my schoolboy days. My classmates and friends often asked me from where I bought them.

Christy was soft spoken and kind. He was honest and sincere. He was dedicated to his work.

I guess only a few Sri Lankans are aware that most presidents and prime ministers of our country obtained the services of Christy to provide them with quality footwear.

Most of the medical specialists and paramedics, on board the ‘Hope’ ship that dropped anchor at Colombo harbour and stayed there for a while to the public giving healthcare opportunities to the public, collected their leather footwear from the Ceylon Boot Manufactory.

Christy was a devoted husband and dutiful father.

He was a devout Catholic. His way of life was serene and worthy of emulation. I’ve heard that he used to rise early to milk the cow and contribute his share of work towards the family.

He managed his workforce with a human touch. Over the years he gave employment to many. He was lavish in helping the needy. Whenever a former employee made a courtesy call on him he never forgot to slip some money into his pocket.

Many are the nostalgic memories when passing the CBM shop. When we were young, for Christmas and New Year our parents took us on a shopping spree.

My mother would take us to Christy’s shoe shop and after buying our requirements we stayed in the company of Christy till father came from his office at Slave Island. Christy used to telephone my father’s office to say that we had arrived. Afterwards we would continue our journey to Colombo Fort and Pettah with father.

Our heart-felt condolences go to his wife Mary, daughter Concy and sons Percy, Malcolm, Kingsley, Ranjan and Keerthi. We all miss Christy dearly. May the angels guide him to paradise.