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අප්පච්චි, if you haven't passed, you would've been 70 years old today. I remember your 60th birthday, I was working and wanted to gift you something special which you will enjoy. I went to the Keels at Liberty Plaza one night after work, and bought a Chivas Regal. I recall
feeling a tad awkward and adult doing this. But I felt good when I presented it to you. You didn't open it immediately, and as usual it went to your collection. To be opened when there is a special occasion. That day didn't came, the bottle remained closed and you passed away, on
May 1st the next year. I then took back this bottle and some others to Colombo where I lived. I kept the bottle closed. There was no time I felt apt to open it. Till it was the time that I had to migrate. I opened it with my close friends on a farewell party at
The Station, Dehiwala. That day I enjoyed it while thinking about you. I always think, how our lives would be if you were still with us. I don't think, it would've been any greater that today. It is easier for us to think, that it would be better, but that is not the reality. And
in a way, I think it is better off that you had a sudden passing. It released you from what was to come. It released you from lot of pressure and responsibilities. May be I would've not been where I am, if you were still there. You were a powerful yet a flawed man. You had your
good days and you had your bad days. But you cared for us and made us who we are today. Thank you for that. I sometimes wish, I can have a moment with you to ask many things. That day won't come. But I will raise a glass in your memory.
Thank you again for all the lessons you taught me. Happy Birthday අප්පච්චි.
