My heartfelt condolences and prayers. May the Lord be the strength of all the members of his beloved family at this time of their loss and grief. Mr. Gnanam was a magnificent man in every respect, a leading member of the Catholic laity in Jaffna from the early 1960s to 1990s. A remarkably successful entrepreneur and philanthropist. Having met him on many occasions in Jaffna especially during the most intense period of the civil war from 1988-94; and later in London, England when he was staying with his son Mr. Samson Roy, I always found him to be a cheerful man with affection and kindness. Mr. Gnanam will remain an icon of hard work, determination and entrepreneurship in Jaffna. May the good Lord grant him Eternal Rest.