Second Year tribute to Nihal Jayamanne PC

I could never have imagined the kind of impact a single person could have on me or what saying goodbye to that person so unexpectedly would mean until exactly two years ago when our whole world stood still. Learning to live in a world without a loved one is never easy but as time passes, we have all found ourselves learning to do exactly that.

In the time shared together, we were all shown what true excellence looks like both inside and outside of the courtroom. His kindness and generosity, the many lives he lived and the way he carried far more on his shoulders than most of us would ever know in the fifty years of legal practice and service dedicated to others is deserving of praise.

Evenings at Borella number 7 were never dull and boring. They were always kept wholesome, light and fun. The many stories of yesteryear, the spontaneous adventures, the late night karaoke sessions and witty humour that would take a room by complete surprise and leave everyone in fits of laughter are some of the things we talk about and cherish today.

All the time we spent together will never be enough.

It is safe to say that he has instilled in all of us the love for life. If there is one thing I know for sure is that life is short. It’s important we don’t take ourselves too seriously and cherish each moment we have been blessed with our loved ones. This day we choose to celebrate a life so truly lived with absolute faith, love, grace, stature and strength.

Lydia Goonetilleke-Jayamanne