You are the best parents anyone could ever have. Without you, I wouldn’t be here to write this letter.
You kept promises which were hard to fulfil. Thank you for being there for me in the hard times.
Even when I was little and not even in kindergarten, you helped me to study, and at the end of the year, I could read and write well. Along with it, I had a lot of bumps on my head.
You moved to Australia for our sake and worked hard for the things we needed.
You bought things for us with your pocket money and any other money you could scrape around.
You took us places when you would rather stay home and rest. You looked after me when I had pneumonia.
You helped me, fed me, clothed me. And spoilt me.
You helped me with hard homework and helped me pass selective (You owe me remember!)
All I want to say is a BIG thank you for everything!
THANKS
Love Always
Natasha Jayasinghe
The original letter, penned in 1998 by Natasha, Denzil’s eldest daughter
25–9–1998
Dear Archie & Seeya (Grandma & Grandpa)
Today is the start of the school holidays.
Tomorrow mum is having a Bessemer party (It’s like a party to sell products).
I passed my selective. It’s a test to see if you could go to a special school for smart people. 1 out of 5 children get in, and 1500 children participated.
I also grew up in August. I had the Sri Lanka celebrations.
I guess a lot of things have been happening these two months.
I can’t wait for when we go to Sri Lanka. Mum is buying whatever she leaves her eyes on for Sri Lanka. Already she’s filled three boxes to the brim with only food!!!.
I know this is too much to ask but do you think for Christmas can you get me a Sinhalese dictionary?
PTO
If you can’t get one, don’t worry. I’ll still be happy.
Roanna can’t wait to see you. You should see how much she’s grown.
I think I’ve written too much so I better stop. I’ll write to you soon. Please write back.
Your Loving Granddaughter,
Natasha J.
The original letter by Natasha preserved by Thomas Jayasinghe with his notations
A Child of Curiosity How inherent inquisitiveness became a key driver in learning experiences. Denzil Jayasinghe · B orn in the mid-20th century, I am a product of the post-World War II era. My parents, who were teenagers when the war commenced, married in the 1950s. As a representative of the baby boomer generation, I was born under the astrological sign of Capricorn, the tenth sign of the zodiac. My birth took place at Zoysa Nursing Home, a renowned institution in Colombo, Sri Lanka, around 5 in the morning. Sri Lanka, known for its tropical climate, is a beautiful island nation south of India. This climate appealed to me, and I sought similar weather in my twenties, spending them in Dubai, where the winter resembles an Australian summer. Raised by religious parents, I held them in deep affection. However, the church teachings posed a paradox for a young mind, instructing one to love God more than one’s parents. I initially adhered to the Ten Commandments and other societal norms in ...
Demons and Devotion: A Family’s Pilgrimage Denzil Jayasinghe · “Demons and Devotion: A Pilgrimage to Tewatta” is a short story by Denzil Jayasinghe about a family’s pilgrimage to a holy site in Sri Lanka. The story follows Denzil, the eldest son, as he reluctantly accompanies his devout parents on this journey to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. Although initially sceptical, Denzil reflects on his childhood faith and his family's hardships. However, the pilgrimage turns unexpectedly when an encounter with a priest who claims a demon possesses Denzil creates tension and leaves him angry. T he air hung heavy with a solemnity that felt out of place for a silver wedding anniversary. Denzil’s father, whose pronouncements held the weight of scripture, declared, “We are going on a special trip to the holy place of Our Lady at Tewatta. This day, showing God’s blessings, will be a private event for our family.” On a recent arrival for a two-week holiday in Sri Lanka...
Shattered Innocence A story of a needle Denzil Jayasinghe · “Shattered Innocence. A Story of a Needle” by Denzil Jayasinghe is a short story told from the perspective of a lad who discovers their father injecting insulin . This discovery shatters his innocence as he grapples with the reality of his father’s diabetes and the fear and uncertainty it brings. The story explores themes of family, responsibility, and the challenges of facing difficult realities. T he pre-dawn light filtered through the window, casting a pale glow over a scene that shattered my world. We were lost in the quiet routine of getting ready — me for the apprenticeship, my siblings for school, and my father for his work. I wandered into my parents’ room, searching for the familiar black comb. What I found wasn’t the comb but a sight that froze me in my tracks. Father, stripped down to his white undies, his usually strong face creased with worry, was doing something… di...
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