A journey for renewal and peace: My solo visit to Sri Lanka

Day 12

Very heavy rain, whole day, the original plans for a Beach BBQ hosted by Bhuwenaka was scrapped, but we enjoyed a great hopper supper in the shade of the dining room, with 18 family members. Some were unable to come due to the heavy rains. SenadhiLakshapathie ayias’ elder son drove all the way from Ella to meet me. Really enjoyed the Ranveli cooking, egg hoppers were delicious, the best I had ever eaten.

Day 13

One of the highlights of the visit to Sri Lanka was my trip to Kandy. My family were somewhat apprehensive that I was undertaking this two- day trip which was arduous. However, I was confident that my Driver Kingsley Wickremaratne would be able to look after me. I had briefed him well through TLC, on my medical needs and partial disability. Kingsley arrived early and we had a head start in the morning traffic from Mount Lavinia to the Kandy. He was so careful and considerate that I dozed off in the spacious back seat. He woke me up at Pasyala to be greeted by a pretty Cadju girl. She was nice but the cadju was not as good as the good old days. On Kingsley's advice, we did not stop at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, as walking would be difficult with my weak feet. We soon reached Kandy, bustling with heavy traffic, and checked in to a familiar hotel.

Day 14 & 15

I really enjoyed my visit to Kandy; the crowning achieve- ment was to visit the inner chamber of the Temple of the Tooth, where Kingsley had obtained wheel chair assistance from the local police. In addition, Kingsley drove me to my favourite University campus at Peradeniya where I had graduated over 60 years ago, and re-lived many happy memories of the 1954-7 period where I read for an honours degree in Economics and Political science. We had lunch at the newly opened sumptuous Kandy Silverware Asso, restaurant. This was right opposite Kingswood College, where I was a teacher in 1957-8, my first job, again it brought very happy memories there both as a resident boarding master and cricket coach of the under -16s. I went to Gunatilaka's famous batik factory and bought an expensive wall hanging.

Day 16

After two relaxing days in Kandy, I was sad to return to Colombo, and vowed that I would come again in 2018-19, should I be fit enough. The return journey was good -- less traffic. Stopped at Jinedasa's for delicious Thalaguly. We arrived in Colombo before mid- day and checked in at the comfortable Ramada hotel to have a sleep before our last family dinner at The Boulevard. Kingsley my driver was excellent. He looked after me so well, and I enjoyed my trip partially due to his care and friendship.

The Thai food at the Boulevard was very good, tasty and well served: 14 of my close family members enjoyed the evening and bade me Au-Revoir, hopefully till 2018/9, when I hope to make my last trip to my paradise island where I was born.

Day 17

I was ready after breakfast, as usual. Kingsley arrived early, and we got to Katunnayake airport to catch the Sri Lankan flight to London. I bade farewell to Kingsley, a great driver and Friend, and I gave him a good tip for his care and attention. I told, him in three years, I shall book him with Travel Lanka Compass which was very good with all the arrangements. I had a good service at the Airport, ground staff, who provided wheel chair assistance and passport clearance, and got to the departures lounge in good time.

The return flight on economy was comfortable’ had plenty of leg room, upon informing the stewardess that I was a diabetic, they looked after me well, including serving the early lunch and drinks. I soon settled to a rest and we arrived at London Heathrow on schedule. Terminal 3 was crowded, where I was eventually given wheel chair assistance. It was perishing cold, -5C in London, without warm clothes or a big coat, we left Sri Lanka in the heat of 26C. I managed to get a taxi home. Barbara and my pet cat Harry boy were waiting with heating on full blast and two hot water bottles to warm me up, and by Jove I was pleased to arrive home and give Barbara a big cuddle.

It was an epic trip, I enjoyed so much, achieved my wish for peace and renewal after my illness.