London Mini Reunion 20th February 2022

London Mini Reunion 20^th February 2022

By Nihal D Amerasekera

The storm Eunice nor the Covid pandemic could deter our energetic and cheerful Pram from organising yet another London Mini reunion. Her enthusiasm, hard work and persistence through a WhatsApp group, e-mails and phone calls paid off. Parental and grandparental duties did limit the attendance. We have come to learn over the years Pram has limitless energy and patience and her organisational skills remain legendary. 

As we entered Satay House in Paddington there were welcoming smiles, hugs and handshakes all round. The whole event was informal. We didn’t dwell on the trivia. There were no speeches.  Although implied, no formal thank you at the end. Those brief couple of hours evoked a spontaneous overflow of powerful feelings bringing back the excitement of youth, vigour and laughter.  It was left to all to mingle and chat and we kept moving all the time. Joyous intermittent laughter was the order of the day. There were the usual fond recollections and reminiscences and plenty of catching up. As usual, there were a few “you haven’t changed a bit!” and “just a few grey hairs”- or “a bit less hair”- euphemistically addressing the bald! 

We were honoured by the presence of two of our seniors: the ever-smiling Nilani Gajawira and the talented sportsman, Mohanlal Fernando. It was so lovely to see Indrani Anthonypillai who always makes it for our reunions despite the difficulties. A special thanks to her daughter, Rose, who made time to accompany Indrani. 

As we sat down and got settled, we posed for the obligatory group photos. Many smart phones emerged from the pockets and several were taken by the friendly Satay House staff. 

The food was authentic Malaysian cuisine and was superb. As starters we had char-grilled chicken and lamb skewers marinated in spices and herbs. There were spicy vegetable spring rolls. Plain rice, coconut rice and Singapore noodles were served with beef rendang, prawn curry, aubergines and a splendid fish preparation. This was topped up with a fine dessert of ice cream and banana fritters. 

We spent just over two enjoyable hours chatting, recalling and laughing, savouring every moment. Interesting new stories were told of the ebb and flow of life in retirement.  Several old tales too re-emerged, judiciously embellished and gilded for good effect. We were quietly wondering for how long more we can continue these wonderful meetings as time catches up with us as it inevitably does. Make the most of whatever time we have left, reflect on the good times we had together and make every attempt to keep in touch: these were our sobering and constructive thoughts. 

The London Reunion is now well established and has become a regular event. Our thanks to Pramilla for organising the reunion and Mahendra for the technical expertise and making a real effort to be with us from Manchester despite the ravages of storm Eunice. Many of us are octogenarians or knocking on the door to be one. We appreciate the efforts made by all to attend this function despite the issues and problems. The reunion was brief but unhurried. The atmosphere was one of warmth, fellowship and great bonding. It was just an extension of those happy years in the faculty. 

We sadly missed Zita and her husband Joe, regular attendees, because of her illness. She sent her best wishes as she always does. 

And again, a special word of thanks to Rose, Indrani’s daughter who so kindly brought Indrani.

It is Au revoir and not goodbye until we meet again.

 Those present

Pram Senanayake, Shanti Nalliah, Mahendra “Speedy” Gonsalkorale, Nihal (ND) Amarasekera

Nilani Gajawira,  Sirima Abeysuriya  , Sunil Abeysuriya,  Mohanlal Fernando

Rose, (Indrani’s daughter) Indrani Anthonypillai, Harsha  Boralessa, Harshi Boralessa

 

Susheila Thiagarajah, Douglas Mulgirigama, Sunanda “Jimmy” Wickremasinghe

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