Alick Aluvihare - a tribute:

A simple man from an aristocratic family

Alick Aluvihare, a household name throughout the Matale electorate which he nursed for the past three decades passed away recently after a prolonged illness and the people of Matale have lost an illustrious personality with exemplary qualities.

He was educated at Vijaya College, Matale during the stewardship of V.T. Nanayakkara, one time Member of Parliament for Matale.

If I remember correct, Alick used to go to school very smartly dressed on a newly acquired Raleigh Sports bicycle from Aluvihare.

He was a good boxer as well as an athlete who took part in various athletic events at Sports Meets. His opponent at boxing meets was from St. Thomas' College, Matale.

The fight between the two was so exciting and thrilling that the spectators were held spell bound throughout the duration of the fight. The athletic events he took part were also equally interesting and they evoked the enthusiasm and acclamation of the spectators.

People from the Matale electorate flocked to his office during the weekends to have their problems attended to. If ever there was a possibility of helping them he did not hesitate to do so without giving false promises as some politicians do.

He found employment for hundreds of young men and women in his electorate for which they will be ever grateful.

He was every inch a gentleman and his cheerful disposition won the hearts of all those who had contacts with him. He lost an election in the early eighties or so and took up defeat as a gentleman. It was during this period that he engaged in business of some sort to keep him occupied.

Such were the qualities of a simple man from an aristocratic family who nursed the Matale electorate following in the footsteps of an illustrious personage such as Mr. Bernard Aluvihare. He was a tower of strength to the Aluvihare family after the demise of Sir Richard and Bernard Aluvihare.

Though in a declining state of health, he strived hard to construct a Stupa at Aluvihare temple with the assistance of the residents in the area, which I am sure will bestow immense merit on him that will pave is way to Nibbana.

The Stupa was declared open in the presence of a distinguished gathering a week or so before he passed away.

May Alick Aluvihare attain the bliss of Nibbana after his sojourn in Sansara.

- R. M. L. Ratnayake