“When one reaches the 80th year, one enters the realm of the legendary octogenarian,” writes Dr. R.O.B. Wijesekera. “There is little to look forward to, save the antics, memorable as they are, of grandkids; and then there looms the danger of ill-health, incapacitation and the manifestations of infirmity. In compensation, however, there is a world of experience to look back on, before one’s faculties, become sacrificial to the passage of residual time.”

A.D. Jinadasa Nivithigala was recently where many would tremble to be, brimming with confidence and happiness. He was the revered Gurunnanse invited to place Ves on many who had reached the relevant expertise to be called Kandyan dancers.