After the mass dispersal in 1967 meeting
batch-mates have mostly been confined to infrequent reunions and occasional
get-togethers. For those of us who are separated by the oceans or the vast
expanse of land or both, these meetings are rare occurrences. Despite the
passage of years, there exists within us a desire to meet and reconnect those
years spent together in the Medical Faculty at Kynsey Road. So much has changed
in the half a century that has passed since those heady days of our youth.
Social media and smartphones have brought us closer together and it is so
wonderful to be in contact with friends at the click of a button. But they can
never replace that intimacy and the warmth of a face to face chat.
I must refer the reader to the wonderful
and searching dialogue on the blog, over a coffee, between Mahen and Pram. This
with the follow-up comments will help one create an accurate profile of one of
the great achievers in our batch who has given so much in return to the world
both professionally and as an individual.
Pram who lived in the posh end of London
for many decades is now a summer migrant to this great city from her plush pad
in Colombo. Wherever she is, Pram loves to meet and greet people. On her visits
she has made the annual batch reunion ‘a must attend’ in London.The very first
London reunion was held on the 13th of March 2017 and was at ‘The Richoux’
an iconic French eatery, in a leafy part
of London in the shadow of the Lords Cricket Grounds. Since then, the venue has
changed to Satay House near Paddington Station for travel convenience. The
reunion for 2019 was well attended and a great success.The London Reunion is a
wonderful tribute to Pram and her perseverance and tenacity.
I was delighted to accept the offer to meet
Pram before her departure from London. We decided to meet at midday opposite
Boots store next to Bond Street underground station. Sharp on time, I saw the
slim figure standing on Oxford Street. She is a sprightly lady, fit as a fiddle.
As always, Pram was very well dressed in a fine Tom Ford jacket, the cynosure of
elegance and style. After the hugs and pleasantries we decided to have lunch at
the iconic seat of medical education in London, the Royal Society of Medicine
in Wimpole Street. This venue of such prestige, repute and status was opened in
1910 by King George V and Queen Mary. The elegance and grandeur of its many
lounges, restaurants and bars are breath-taking. We would have been hard pushed
to find a better setting for a meal in this locale.
At this stage of our lives none of us are
big-eaters. I wish I had these opportunities when I was a hungry boarder in my
old school. We went for a lavish 2 course meal as we chatted about life and our
times. All through our conversation what struck me was her simplicity and
humility. In the 50 years that have elapsed, without exception, we have all
been through the rapids. We have all matured immeasurably. As for the past and
present, Pram speaks no evil, sees no evil and hears no evil and has a
remarkably positive attitude to life. Pram is confident and self-assured and
certainly no push-over. It is a great
gift to be able to stand-up for what one believes while remaining calm. She
speaks very frankly, modestly and briefly about her many charities and helpful
service to humanity but never of the glitz and the glamour of her peripatetic
existence travelling the world for her work. We spoke about her generous
hospitality at her lavish parties, music and dancing at her home at the Hyde
Park residencies and her delight in seeing the guests enjoy themselves. We
spoke of our mutual friends, JC and Sura, RSJ, Sanath Lama, Asoka Wijeyekoon,
Rohini Abhay, Lucky Abey and many more too numerous to mention as some of them
were in batches senior. It is so lovely to receive news of friends. Indeed it
is a small world and we realised we had many mutual friends who were not in the
medical profession. Pram is a committed Christian and
leads a good life quite unlike me, a prodigal son. She is a cheerful person and
seamlessly articulate which makes a chat most entertaining. A conversation is
never complete without touching on cricket which is built into our Sri Lankan
psyche. It was a stimulating conversation of the rise and fall of our national
team.
The 2 hours flew past and it was time for
us to say goodbye. Pram had a full program lined up for the rest of the day. We
bade goodbye with a hug and a thank you promising to stay in contact until me
meet again. We were so engrossed in our chat we completely forgot to take a
photo for the blog.
The World Cup in England brought many
lovers of the game to the home of cricket. Lareef Idroos was here and the
customary get-together was hurriedly arranged by Pram. Summer is a busy time
for all and many of us including Mahen G and myself couldn’t make it. I am told
it was a great success and a wonderful reunion. Rohini Abhayaratna, Manel
Hettiaratchi, Haris (better known as Bora) and Harshi Boralessa and Indrani Subramanium attended the
function with Pram.
Thank you Nihal for your remarks about Pram. I agree fully;she is a sincere friend and excellent hostess. I remember delivering a lecture at the Royal Society of Medicine London, in the mid 1980s, regarding the Sri Lankan Cleft Lip and Palate project. It was arranged by Michael Mars. In the 1990s, I had dinner there with Michael Dillon, retired Professor of Paediatric Nephrology at the Hospital for Sick Children at Great Ormond Street London. He is a good friend of mine and he has invited me to deliver a lecture on the History of Paeditrics in Sri Lanka at the Spring meeting of the Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health next April in Liverpool. He told me that I am the first foreigner to be invited to do so in this lecture series.
ReplyDeleteSanath
Sanath
ReplyDeleteIt is always a pleasure to hear from you. Great to hear you will be in the UK in the spring and hopefully we can gather the troops to wine and dine. Our chatter when we meet reminds of that lovely poem "Walrus and the carpenter" by Lewis Carroll and seem most appropriate for our time of life.
"The time has come," the Walrus said,
"To talk of many things:
Of shoes--and ships--and sealing-wax--
Of cabbages--and kings--
And why the sea is boiling hot--
And whether pigs have wings."
I added this extra verse rather reluctantly but this too seem poignant
"But wait a bit," the Oysters cried,
"Before we have our chat;
For some of us are out of breath,
And all of us are fat!"
"No hurry!" said the Carpenter.
They thanked him much for that.
Absolutely agree with you Nihal. She is an amazing person. Fort those of you who would like to read the Dialogue I had with Pram. please copy and past this link on your browser (highlight with your mouse by clck and drag with finger pressed on Left button.then click Right button and choose copy. Next move your mouse to the Bar on your browser, click Right button and choose paste.
ReplyDeleteHere is the link:-
https://colombomedgrads1962.blogspot.com/2019/03/speedy-dialogue-episode-5.html#comment-form
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ReplyDeleteNihal, Thank you for a glimpse into the happenings in that posh end of London with Pram and co.
ReplyDeleteWhat has come to my mind often when I’ve thought of the blog is also the delightful first verse by L.C you have quoted -
We have been fortunate to have had access to this blog to be aware of and chat freely with our colleagues .
Though a few unsavory visitors in the past made one cautious and reluctant to participate, in the main, the recent comments by ‘unknowns’ have been in appreciation of Mahen’s expertise and instructions in the blog (as I figured out only recently ) - congratulations Mahen-
Thank you Lucky, Mahen, Nihal for your unfaltering efforts to keep the blog going and to keep us in touch.
Rohini
ReplyDeleteThank you for the comment. Walrus and the Carpenter is a reminder of school and my fine English teacher and those glorious years growing up in a peaceful Sri Lanka. Somehow the poetry is indelibly linked to my parents and childhood. Where have all those years gone?
Nihal,
ReplyDeleteThe Walrus and the Carpenter was also a poem inextricably linked to my memorable childhood. Apart from ‘Through the Looking Glass’ it was one of the first dramas I took part in aged 7 or 8, as part of my Speech ( then called Elocution in SL)and Drama classes with Wendy Whatmore- I played one of the naive oysters !
As for the wonderful years that have vanished- I think they have all got swallowed up just as the oysters did- with well buttered bread !
Rohini and Nihal, my memory of famous quotes from childhood days is summed up beautifully by P.G. Wodehouse as "One of the poets, whose name I cannot recall, has a passage, which I am unable at the moment to remember, in one of his works, which for the time being has slipped my mind, which hits off admirably this age-old situation.”
ReplyDeleteMahen,
ReplyDeleteThat’s perfect seeing the PGW fan you are !
After all - here’s PGW again-
“Memories are like Mulligatawny in a cheap restaurant - it is best not to stir them” !
Rohini! You are right of course. I suffer from "absolute Wodehouse Intoxication". For me, there is none better when in comes to humour. He never fails to elevate my mood and often has me laughing uncontrollably. Good to see you back on the Blog. We are all in an out of it like crocodiles near a lake!
DeletePGW?? I see the humour but not being on it during my formative years they just don't give me that same intoxication that you guys enjoy. Perhaps my humour is less sophisticated than yours, being bone dry like the rest of me..Nevertheless I take great pleasure seeing my pals enjoy themselves on this our blog that needs a boost. Long may it last.
ReplyDeleteIn spite of the quotes from PGW above re memories, poetry and prose like music, has a way of rekindling memories of the times of our lives when we came across them. Thank you ND for taking me back to my memorable childhood, and
DeleteMahen to my early teens when the eccentricities of the Woosters had me rolling too! not to mention my fascination with the ‘inimitable’ Jeeves !
It was around the same time Jerome K Jerome and Saki kept me entertained as well! Thank you both .
Rohini and Mahen and all our friends
ReplyDeleteOnce upon a time we all left home and the precious love and care of our parents. Do you remember that seminal moment? Do you recall your own emotions? Did you really care for how your parents felt? All this came back to us when we saw our own children leave the nest? What were your own feelings then. Of course you felt deeply for your children. How did they react and say their goodbyes?
I have written about Leaving Home on this blog and it would be so lovely to hear your own feelings and emotions of that crucial time. I feel strongly we must remember and cherish these moments.
I was reminded of this when I saw the A-Level results that have come out today and there was a fine article in the Times.
ND -This deserves a bit of reflection- shall be back !
ReplyDeleteWould love to revisit your article too.
Nihal, your article ‘Leaving Home’ was a great pleasure to read as your writing has always been. It was also interesting reading of Mahen’s, Sanath ‘s and Sumathi’s experiences at departure.
DeleteMost of us who left SL at that time left with insufficient funds to survive, and had either friends or relatives who came to our rescue to help us tide over till we found our feet . For this we have to be ever grateful.
This is Zita back from 'hibernation' on the 18th August! I read Nihal's account of his meetings with Pram interspersed with snippets in his fluent writing style which keeps one glued to the article and which informs, entertains and inspires admiration of his writing. He has done justice to Pram in touching upon her wonderful qualities and her dedication to work of extreme importance and he has attracted a deluge of comments. That speaks for itself. I totally agree with Nihal and I myself have found Pram to be unique amongst our batch mates for that unexplainable X factor she brings into everything including her work of helping the underprivileged. I had the opportunity to see these at first hand as she invited me to many of her events. We need more like her and we can consider Pram as a batch mate to be truly proud of and one who anyone should emulate. Nihal, thank you for that wonderful account. We are lucky to have someone like you who can put things in such fantastic writings. On the whole we are lucky with our Blog being managed by Lucky and Mahendra and many talented people to contribute such as you , Nihal and Rohini Ana. I am privileged to enter my own little comment here acknowledging such talent. I would like to say a big 'THANK YOU' to all involved in this blog. Zita (pardon repetitions!)
ReplyDeleteZita
ReplyDeleteWelcome back to the fold. We all appreciate your encouraging comments wrapped in affection and kindness. The Blog has hit a lean patch and our regulars have been busy with their own lives. We must value what we have - when it's gone it's gone.
Take care and please do keep in touch
Thank you Nihal! Your words of appreciation of my humble comment, is valuable to me as I admire your writing style and the wonderful material you bring to our midst. You are an example to me and others who are not that regular on this wonderful batch blog. Let us all be seen here more often! Zita
DeleteI am sending this from Sicily. I am at a coach stop for what is euphemistically termed a comfort break bit in reality is a pee stop as opposed to a pit stop in formula 1. In response to ND's question about recall of significant moments with parents on leaving the nest so to speak, I have no particular memory that sticks in my mind but do remember feeling sad and almost guilty when I worshipped my parents kneeling in front of them when I left home after a holiday. My gratitude and love for my parents have no limit.
ReplyDeleteFeeling sad and rather guilty is your memory. If you are prepared to delve further and try to recollect how it all happened you will be amazed how much you can recall in great detail. Its like many things in life. Leaving home is a seminal moment in our lives. I am certain it is not true that you knelt before them at the time and thought no more about it ever again. I wear my heart on my sleeve and think deeply about my parents and cherish those moments. Common Mahen don't be lazy give some thought as you have a wonderful memory and a kind heart.
DeleteMy reference was related to how I felt when I was already living in England and leaving Sri Lanka after a short holiday there.
DeleteOk Mahen I take your point. Have a great holiday and we will no doubt meet again where despite the cold wind the sun shines and the wines taste good.
DeleteTake care my friend.
Hi Mahendra and Nihal! It is always interesting to read your comments as you both bring a lot of yourselves into it. Mahendra has been on a comfort break/pit stop and seeing fantastic views of Sicily and I am sure he has a lot to recount here once he is properly back to, shall I say, civilisation? No offence meant. I know we have a bit of licence to be cheeky. Zita
DeleteWhen I came to London in 1972 I was single and both my parents
ReplyDeletewere in their 70s. I was not at all sure whether I would see them alive again. The only contact I had with them for the next three years was via aerogrammes (not even a single phone call). I recollect how I used to wait very eagerly for the next aerogramme. Eventually when I returned home on the 1st of January 1975, I was greatly disappointed because there was no one from home to meet me at Katunayake.(My Air India flight from London to Bombay got delayed in the Middle-East due to engine trouble and when I arrived in Bombay the Swiss Air flight to Colombo had departed. I was sent to Madras in an Indian Airlines flight, spent 31st night in a third grade hotel in Madras and boarded an Indian Airlines flight to Colombo the next day.)
My fayher lived up to 83 years and my mother passed away at 97 years.
Sanath
Sanath
DeleteThank you for those memories
Hi,Lama,
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the difficult times you had to face,in early seventies.We did not have many air travel to Colombo in the days bygone.The most popular and the cheapest I had in 1977, was the Aeroplot,the Russian airline.Now,there are plenty of airlines;dominated by the Middle Eastern Airlines.Emirates is under cutting SriLankan airline.
There are daily plights from Birmingham International to Colombo via middle East,operated by Emirates and Qatar Airlines.Sri Lankan community is lucky in a way,because they don't have to travel to London or Gatwick to catch plights.I would prefer to travel by our own Airline-Sri-Lankan.
When I first came to London in 1972 I flew BOAC(predecessor of British Airways).I was only allowed GBP 2.50 as foreign exchange (SLFP regime). On board, each drink of whiskey cost 50 pence. When I got off at Heathrow ,I had only 50 pence in my pocket!
ReplyDeleteSanath - It seems you always had your priorities right !
ReplyDeleteLama,When I left Colombo on Aeroflot,I had only £4.00 in my pocket.SLFP government that time allowed only £4.00 foreign currency.At Heathrow,the person who was supposed to collect me never arrived.Fortunately for me I had the telephone number of another Sri-Lankan Paramedic,who was able to collect me.The friend who failed to collect me had his phone line out of commision.A few days later,I managed to contact his and he helped with £50.00 that helped me to travel to Sheffield,where,I started my attachment.If not for that help,I would have got stranded at the Airport for good.
ReplyDeleteSumathy
ReplyDeleteYou had an Interesting welcome to the UK. I too arrived with the proverbial £50 and was left penniless after paying the GMC and the Medical Defence. I lived on the goodwill of my friends until my first pay which was £180. This was a small fortune then and a Mini Monor car was just £1200. I hasten to add I had no intention to buy one. The boiled cabbage and carrots in the hospital that sustained me thus far became intolerable and I began to develop extravagant tastes. The local Chinese Take away served me well. Money remained tight for a coupe of months until my bank statements looked respectable. The rest as they say is history.
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ReplyDelete