A tribute to my hero on turning 75

Thank you for showing me right from wrong since I was a child.

Thank you for showing me by example how to keep on working hard even at the age of 75!

Thank you for displaying Integrity through your lifestyle by doing what you say and saying what you do; an absolute rarity in today’s day and age.

Thank you being responsible and for providing the best for your family. Thank you for not dragging us into court through irresponsible living.

Thank you for never making us vulnerable to abuse by creditors.

Thank you for keeping us from being hauled into Police stations for drunken driving or misconduct.

Thank you for not getting embroiled in scandals and savings us from public embarrassment.

Thank you for standing up against injustice when you see it, rather than shying away from it.

Thank you for taking care of the under-dog, whom others would easily passby. Thank you for doing extraordinary things which were demanded at various stages during your illustrious career, things of which many would not know and others may have even forgotten. Working right through the JVP insurrection amidst death threats and safeguaring, both, people and company property during black July’83 stand out among many others.

Thank you for showing me what it means to be a man and never shun responsibility. I wouldn’t have been able to do what I do now if you had not ingrained into me the value of Integrity. Although you may not be the romantic sort, the way you took care of Ammi during her recent illness was absolutely extraordinary, for which I will be eternally grateful to you.

Thaththi you have fulfilled God’s mandate as a father.

Some may call you arrogant and tough while others may call you peculiar, but nobody can call you a crook nor a cheat. This I will ever cherish. I will be proud to be called the son of the Great Shiran Mendis; a distinguished Planter, a super efficient Director and a Corporate Consultant par excellence. This is the Legacy you will pass on; not many children are blessed to inherit such a legacy.

I know that you deserve a son way better than me, but hope I would be able to make you proud someday.

Happy 75th birthday, Daddy! May the dear Lord bless you loads. You will always remain my Hero! Your ever loving son,

Lasantha