I am deeply saddened to hear that my fellow villager, former classmate at St. Johnn's Jaffna and an erstwhile colleague in the Sri Lanka Administrative Service has passed away. Thasan to boyhood friends was a sprightly young lad who matured to be a man of probity and wisdom. The pain gnaws my heart that the high-pitched voice that carried many words of his conviction is stilled. That voice stood as testimony to his unwavering commitment to his principles. To his wife Sarojini and children Hari and Aravinthan I assure that my thoughts are with you in this hour of bereavement. But oh, for the touch of the vanished hand And the sound of voice that is still.