He shunned the limelight, but was always present at any escapade or unholy occasion!

Ranjit Ella or Ceeg Ella, as he was fondly called by his friends, was my special buddy at Trinity. The latter name was actually an honorific bestowed upon him for his remarkable ability to extend the breath of a cigarette far beyond its commercial life. He could drag on a butt till the last fibre extinguished.

Ranjit Ella, was an unassuming guy who shunned the limelight, but he was always a presence at every escapade and on every unholy occasion. He was a humble man - a friend to all. He had no enemies. In our senior years, a few of us, took liberties with school and spent most of our afternoons at “Gustaff”. I am sure Ranjit, you will see this, from the beautiful place you are in, and recollect the enjoyable times we had there and smile. It was a haven, a hideaway, where we shared our lunch, indulged in a siesta or engaged in heated debate usually on very minor matters or simply gossiped and joked about anything and every thing. Ranjit Ella contributed much to the bonhomie of the place; he possessed an unparalleled native wit, coupled with an ability to deliver grounded advice and always, always, was ready to laugh.

Yet for all the life we had as boys and men and as husbands with family, when the Maker cometh, we have no choice but to leave. Ceeg my friend, there is deep, deep sorrow in your parting so young but also joy in the knowledge that you will achieve nibbana far sooner than any one of us, your character and high values ensured it from birth. You were a fine man, a fine husband to Sama and a fine father to Ayodhaya, Chulaka and Bahanuka. All of us, your friends, join to say a prayer for you and wish you a wonderful and peaceful life in the hereafter.