Tribute:

Aelian Peiris

Its one year, since Thaaththa passed away last year, on February 18, 2009. The fond memories of him remain so real, that I cannot at times realize that he is no longer with us.

Ever since our childhood my brother and I admired Thaaththa's talents which he had in abundance. He had an all-round personality which made him likeable as soon as anyone spoke to him. He was a convincing Speaker, astute Lawyer and above all, someone who lived simply. His simplicity at times, overshadowed his true capabilities and potential.

My first recollection of an experience with Thaaththa goes back to an incident that happened when I was just over two years. I remember falling over some pieces of broken glass in the garden, and my father rushing in for assistance.

His shirt and trouser were full of my bloodstains. I still remember the comforting lift he gave me when he took me in his arms and rushed me for treatment. Over the years, as we grew up he was very much friend to us. He always found time to play, sing, laugh and joke with us. I still remember during my teenage years, my father answering a telephone call from a girl pretending to be me. He had a good laugh over it for many years.

His life was a perfect example of character and integrity. His life has left an indelible mark on our lives. He enjoyed the Company of our extended families. He was blessed with three grandsons, who adored him very much. Thaaththa had perfect health up to 75 years of age. He suffered a stroke, which partially paralysed him. While he was waiting for the Ambulance to arrive to take him to hospital, he instructed me to bring two case files. He contacted two clients thereafter and instructed them regarding the cases...watching this was incredible. Even after the stroke, with partial paralysis he made the best of his life. He lived another 16 months. I cannot remember a single instance of complaining about his illness. He considered himself 'luckier' than others, who are much worse.

His life was a source of light and inspiration to us. I cannot forget a verse of Rudyard Kipling's poem "if" which he constantly taught me during my formative days. This verse fits into his life, so well.

"If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with kings - not lose the common touch;
If neither foes nor loving friend can hurt you;
If all men count with you, but none too much;
If you can fill the unforgiving minute,
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the earth and everything that is in it
And which is more - you'll be a Man my Son."

He fought the good fight, kept his faith and finished his course. He did everything on earth to richly deserve the joy of eternal life. - Ravi Peiris (Son)