I still remember meeting you at St John Bosco, I believe back in 1976, when we were just five or six years old and starting nursery together. Our friendship continued through our years at Jaffna Hindu College, and when we were in Sri Lanka, we met almost every day around Maruthady Lane, Kachcheri Nallur Road and Chetty Street Lane. We also shared an unforgettable trip to Phuket, where we created so many wonderful memories and shared some brilliant moments together. Even after we moved to the UK, we remained in regular contact and continued our friendship. The last time I spoke with you was during our group call, when we talked for almost an hour about all sorts of silly things, just as we always did. No one will ever forget your trademark call, “Matchi!” We are all going to miss hearing you say it. I simply cannot believe that our friendship lasted almost 50 years, and yet you are no longer with us. It is difficult to accept that there is no longer that familiar voice calling us “Matchi”. You were a wonderful friend with such a kind and generous heart, and I truly believe you now have a special place in heaven. I have lost a very dear friend, and there are no words that can truly express the emptiness and sadness of this loss. I am devastated that I am not in the country and will not be able to be there to say goodbye to you in person. My heartfelt condolences go to your family and all your friends. You will never be forgotten, and the memories of our 50 years of friendship will always remain with us. Rest in peace, my dear friend. You will be deeply missed.