Iyya - I know you for a short while but my friends told me about your contributions toward the welfare of our Tamil community back in Srilanka. When I first met you at a Tamil community event in Sydney my impression of you was - virtuous, very kind hearted and down to earth person, having influencing personality and volunteering attitude to help people in need in our community living in Tamil Eelam. Among a circle of my friends you were known as simply “ Iyya” because you earned the respect by showing a wealth of knowledge, kindness and compassion toward Tamil community. You knew what was intrinsically important for the community going through unconscionable suffering and remained committed to the Tamil cause. Your visits to the mother land were a further manifestation of your affection toward our people facing unprecedented challenges. We all expected you to live longer and continue to do the service to the community but unfortunately you were taken from us forever. Iyya, we wholeheartedly salute for your service rendered toward our Tamil community and your vision nurtured by untainted conscience for our people in Tamil Eelam. Iyya’s character can be simply explained by the Kural 213: Iyya, you are great and we were fortunate to have you as a community leader, mentor and most importantly a visionary. Your lost can’t be replaced. Om Santhi ! Om Santhi !