Endless fun with cherished memories
My batch reunion ‘23 report

After several postponements due to covid and economic issues, I was pleased that it went ahead as 3yrs became almost 5 yrs.

The support by the ‘committee’ was essential for the success and with out which it would not have happened. Though deep south was the preferred location, we opted for a bigger hotel more proximally.

The location at ‘The Palm” Beruwala certainly gave wider options- such as access to the beach and ability to do beach games which was a welcome addition.

The official start of the event with traditional lighting of bonfire, went almost pear shaped as heavy rain was threatening at the same time. That ‘close’ relief was followed by pure extasy throughout the weekend.

The ‘productive retirement’ by Happa was thought provoking. The games which followed had full enthusiastic participation with stiches of laughter. The nights entertainment concluded with “medical record audit’ skit despite the thunderous rain outdoors.

Unplanned pleasing additions were lovely early morning strolls on the beach with ‘yoga’ type stretches by Lakshika’s smiling daughter. Certainly, it almost dislocated some of my joints.

Since waking up on Saturday morning, we could not have accommodated any more fun as the whole day was full of fun and laughter. The traditional rounders with added short contests added more flavour. Pool was the next destination, and Lal produced another masterful performance with many tourists enjoying the fun of we Lankans. Water polo was competitive as ever completing an exhaustive pool fun.

Lunch was followed by traditional photograph in the scenic gardens of the hotel. Just an hours rest was followed by beach fun never ever anyone experienced before. The sand castle game and mermaid game was highly competitive with every one down on the knees with their contributions. The foreign tourist judges gave a decent verdict of the winners. The water relay tested the physiology of the aging runners with laughs all around. The rice bag throw and tied slipper race added to the excitement.

Culmination of excitement was the nights entertainment with more games and songs with 2 quality performances by the Bogoda’s and Gamini Hatthotuwa. The instant fancy dress added further colour and laughter. The highlight of the whole event was the ‘PUKA” skit, which I think is the finest produced by me out of many over the years. The continuous laughter at each sentence probably meant the audience was treated to a ‘best ever skit ‘ they have ever seen and will continue to laugh even at the thought of it. Priyanthi confessed that she is now ‘hell’ bound purely after listening to it. My wife started laughing even in the middle of the night !!

It did not feel like anyone had had more energy for any more fun. I thought the DJ whom we paid will go wasted. But, it was the opposite! Two hours of continuous dancing with all possible moves with everyone barely able to stand ended the day of absolute fun.

My philosophy in life is to enjoy what ever comes my way at this stage of life. If not now- when? I am so glad most of my batchmates were of same wavelength. We promised an explosion of fun with unforgettable memories and we smashed it !

Thanks to you all my batchmates who dared to come as well as Galle batchmates who gave us added flavour. Hopefully once again in 3years time…. Can this be beaten as I always think after such an event? I doubt it but you never know!!!

Uditha